DHS Launches Major Enforcement Operation in Minneapolis as Dozens Arrested
Federal immigration authorities have confirmed a sweeping enforcement push in Minneapolis, revealing a string of arrests that officials say mark the start of a wider crackdown. The announcement follows days of speculation across Minnesota, with local residents reporting unmarked vehicles, increased ICE activity, and sudden detentions in several neighborhoods. Now the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is making clear that the operation is real — and far from over.
The enforcement surge, called Operation Metro Surge, began on December 1 and is already reshaping the conversation around illegal immigration, crime, and the state’s longstanding sanctuary policies. DHS officials say this effort specifically targets noncitizens with criminal records, including individuals convicted of sexual offenses, domestic violence, fraud, and violent assaults.
Below is everything known so far about the operation, the arrests, and the political storm breaking around it.
A Sweeping Federal Operation Quietly Begins
For several days, reports circulated that federal agents were conducting targeted arrests throughout Minneapolis and nearby suburbs. DHS refused to comment at first, adding to the uncertainty. But on Thursday, the department acknowledged that a coordinated operation was underway — and that it involved individuals officials described as “the worst of the worst.”
According to DHS, Operation Metro Surge was authorized to remove noncitizens with criminal histories from Minnesota communities. The department says these individuals were previously arrested or convicted for serious offenses, including assault, sexual crimes, vehicle theft, and fraud schemes.
Federal officials made one point clear: they see the operation as necessary, especially in a city and state criticized for policies that limit cooperation with ICE.
DHS Slams Minnesota Officials for Sanctuary Policies
Tensions between federal authorities and Minnesota political leaders escalated quickly. In the announcement, Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin delivered a blistering statement, directly accusing Minnesota leaders of allowing dangerous individuals to remain in the state.
She placed the blame on Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, saying their sanctuary-style policies created safe havens for criminals who entered or remained in the United States illegally.
“ICE law enforcement are risking their lives to protect Minnesotans while their own elected officials sit by and do nothing,” McLaughlin said.
“No matter when and where, ICE will find, arrest, and deport ALL criminal illegal aliens.”
Her comments reflect the wider conflict unfolding between federal immigration agencies and state governments that resist immigration enforcement. Minnesota has become a focal point in that struggle — especially following several high-profile crimes involving individuals who arrived in the state through refugee or parole programs.
Criminal Backgrounds Highlighted in Enforcement Sweep
In its press release, DHS emphasized the criminal histories of those arrested so far. The department listed each individual’s background, painting a picture of repeated offenses and long-standing criminal involvement.
At the top of the list: Abdulkadir Sharif Abdi, a Somali national described as a former member of the Gangster Disciples and an active member of the Vice Lord Nation. DHS said Abdi has been convicted of:
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fraud
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receiving stolen property
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receiving a stolen vehicle
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auto theft
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repeated probation violations
Another arrest included Sahal Osman Shidane, who has a conviction for sexual conduct involving a minor aged 13 to 15 — one of the most serious crimes highlighted by the department.
The operation also swept up individuals with convictions related to:
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domestic violence (6 convictions)
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DUI (6 convictions)
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assault (2 convictions)
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larceny
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robbery
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property destruction
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felony smuggling of illegal immigrants
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aggravated assault with a weapon
DHS pointed to these cases as evidence that the crackdown is narrowly focused on threats to public safety — not on broad immigration enforcement.
Somali Nationals at Center of Renewed Federal Interest
Many of those detained are Somali nationals, which comes during heightened federal scrutiny of Minnesota’s Somali-American community. This follows several massive welfare fraud investigations, including the Feeding Our Future scandal, which Trump administration officials have cited as one reason for increased oversight.
President Donald Trump also signaled he wanted Somali individuals living illegally in the U.S. prioritized for removal, especially after several high-profile criminal cases involving Somali nationals underscored gaps in previous vetting processes.
For federal agencies, the Minneapolis arrests represent a test of a tougher national approach toward immigration crime — one that emphasizes removal over rehabilitation.
Political Battle Intensifies as Communities React
The arrests are already fueling political tensions throughout Minnesota. Supporters of the enforcement push say the state has ignored clear risks, especially as violent incidents involving noncitizens have increased.
Critics of the operation, however, warn that large-scale federal actions can spread fear among law-abiding immigrants and destabilize communities. Some groups claim the arrests are politically motivated, pointing to the timing and the administration’s broader messaging.
Meanwhile, DHS insists the targets are not random. Officials emphasize that every individual detained has a criminal record and has already faced legal consequences within the state.
More Arrests Expected as Operation Expands
Federal officials say the operation is not finished. Instead, they describe the early arrests as the first phase of an extended crackdown throughout Minneapolis and other cities in Minnesota.
ICE officers are expected to continue locating individuals with prior criminal convictions, especially those who entered the United States unlawfully or violated previous removal orders.
Minnesota now waits to see how large the operation will grow — and whether state leaders will respond or remain silent under pressure.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
