WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has launched what officials describe as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out, preparing to deploy as many as 2,000 federal agents and officers to the Minneapolis area for a sweeping crackdown tied in part to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents.
The deployment, which began over the weekend, represents one of the largest single-city mobilizations of Department of Homeland Security personnel in years, according to a person briefed on the operation. The surge dramatically expands the federal law enforcement footprint in Minnesota amid heightened political and community tensions.
Acting Director Todd Lyons stated during an interview that the agency was executing its largest immigration operation ever, though specifics on the number of officers involved were not disclosed. About three-quarters of those personnel are expected to come from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations, which facilitates immigration arrests and deportations.
Meanwhile, agents from Homeland Security Investigations are taking part by investigating allegations of fraud, human smuggling, and unlawful employment practices across the Twin Cities region. This effort comes amid broader suspicions regarding the misuse of federal nutrition and aid programs, predominantly involving individuals with connections to Somalia.
The operation has already led to more than 1,000 arrests, targeting individuals deemed to be serious offenders, including suspected murderers and sexual predators. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was noted accompanying agents on the ground, signaling a proactive stance from the administration amid increasingly pressing immigration issues.
The scope and duration of the operation are expected to evolve, but arrests and investigations are set to continue.
