The U.S. government has launched its largest-ever immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, deploying over 2,000 federal officers, including ICE agents and Homeland Security investigators, mainly in the Twin Cities. Led by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the operation aims to enforce immigration laws and investigate alleged fraud while maintaining lawful and professional conduct.
Largest Federal Immigration Enforcement Effort in State History
Federal officials stated that the Minnesota deployment includes hundreds of investigators assigned to examine alleged fraud cases, alongside enforcement officers making arrests. Authorities have already made more than 1,000 arrests statewide since the operation began. Of those, around 150 arrests occurred in Minneapolis in a single day, with officers actively detaining individuals on the ground.
In addition to ICE agents, Border Patrol officers are also taking part in the enforcement activity. According to federal sources, Border Patrol teams often carry out large-scale operations because they actively conduct broad enforcement actions across both urban and non-urban areas.
The scale of the operation has drawn attention because Minnesota has never before experienced this level of federal immigration enforcement at one time. Officials say agents are operating across multiple locations rather than targeting a single neighborhood, which explains the widespread reports of federal activity throughout the state.
Local law enforcement agencies have acknowledged the heightened federal presence. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara stated that local police do not enforce immigration laws but confirmed that the department has placed additional officers and supervisors on standby around the clock to respond to any unrest or safety concerns linked to the operation.
Community Reaction and Concerns at Hospitals and Public Spaces
The large deployment has had an immediate impact on communities, particularly immigrant families. Advocacy groups report that many residents are fearful of leaving their homes or accessing essential services due to concerns about encounters with ICE agents.
Healthcare facilities have become a focal point of concern. Outside Hennepin County Medical Center, healthcare workers and community advocates gathered to call for clearer policies limiting ICE access to hospitals. Dr. Janna Gitz O’Brien was among the healthcare workers urging providers to protect patients and require valid judicial warrants before allowing federal agents into medical spaces.
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Advocacy organization Unidos Minnesota cited a recent incident in which ICE agents allegedly entered an emergency department without a warrant and restrained a patient. According to the group, agents remained in the hospital for more than 24 hours and left only after being confronted by a Hennepin County commissioner and state lawmakers.
Hospital officials later released a statement saying that federal agents presented appropriate identification and left after security staff requested documentation to justify their continued presence. The statement emphasized that hospital procedures were followed once concerns were raised.
Community leaders say the presence of agents in sensitive locations like hospitals has created fear among families who need urgent medical care. Healthcare workers stressed that fear of detention may prevent people from seeking life-saving treatment.
Federal Homeland Position and Ongoing Enforcement Activity
Homeland Security officials maintain that the Minnesota operation is lawful and focused on enforcing existing immigration laws. They confirmed that agents are also conducting investigations into alleged fraud cases in the state, with approximately 600 investigators assigned to that task.
Federal authorities say they are carrying out arrests based on immigration status checks and ongoing investigations. Officials emphasized that the operation does not target just one city and that teams are coordinating activity across Minnesota.
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Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara warned that the greatest risk surrounding the operation is the potential for unrest or serious injury if tensions escalate. He urged protesters to remain peaceful and asked federal agents to carry out their duties lawfully and professionally.
As of now, Homeland Security confirms that enforcement actions are continuing across Minnesota, with ICE agents and investigators remaining active throughout the state as part of what officials continue to call the largest DHS operation ever conducted.