The Trump administration has launched the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history, deploying 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis in a massive crackdown targeting criminal aliens and fraudsters. This surge operation, involving ICE, HSI, and CBP, builds on previous arrests and is specifically designed to dismantle massive fraud schemes that have exploited billions in taxpayer funds in the Minnesota area. The move comes as Democratic Governor Tim Walz has faced criticism for his opposition to the enforcement, leading him to announce the end of his re-election bid.
Story Highlights
- 2,000 ICE, HSI, and CBP agents conducting 30-day surge operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
- Operation builds on previous arrests of nearly 700 illegal immigrants, including murder and fraud suspects.
- Federal agents targeting massive fraud schemes that cost taxpayers billions in stolen program funds.
- Democratic Governor Tim Walz ending re-election bid amid criticism of “camera show” enforcement.
Trump Administration Delivers on Mass Deportation Promise
President Trump has made good on his campaign promise to tackle illegal immigration with unprecedented force. The Minneapolis operation represents the administration’s first major enforcement surge of 2025, involving rotating personnel of up to 600 Homeland Security Investigations officers and 1,500 Enforcement and Removal Operations agents. This massive deployment rivals the entire HSI workforce in Arizona, demonstrating Trump’s commitment to removing criminal aliens who threaten American communities.
🚨 JUST IN: DHS Sec. Kristi Noem confirms 2,000 ICE agents have SURGED to Minneapolis in the past 48 hours and found migrants are committing MASSIVE amounts of fraud
She reveals the locals are VERY thankful for DHS' presence 🇺🇸
"We did surge operations there the last 48… pic.twitter.com/tQ8MB3KRCG
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 7, 2026
Targeting Criminals and Fraudsters Costing Taxpayers Billions
The operation specifically focuses on immigrants with deportation orders and criminals involved in transnational crimes, including massive fraud schemes. Minnesota has been ground zero for federal program fraud since 2021, with the notorious Feeding Our Future case representing just one example of how criminal networks exploited nutrition, housing, and child care programs. Over 90 individuals have been charged since 2021, with more than 60 convictions secured, highlighting the scope of taxpayer theft that has plagued the state.
Secretary Kristi Noem personally oversaw the arrest of an Ecuadorian man wanted for murder and sexual assault, delivering a clear message to criminal aliens: “You will be held accountable.” The operation builds on Operation Metro Surge from late 2024, which resulted in nearly 700 arrests by December 19. HSI agents are conducting door-to-door investigations into fraud and human smuggling operations, while ERO officers focus on deportations of those with outstanding removal orders.
Democratic Opposition Reveals Misplaced Priorities
Democratic Governor Tim Walz has criticized the federal operation as a “ridiculous surge for show of cameras,” revealing the typical liberal response of protecting criminals over law-abiding citizens. Walz announced he will not seek re-election, likely recognizing the political liability of opposing popular immigration enforcement. Local Democratic officials, including St. Paul Councilmember Molly Coleman, have described the operation as “incredibly distressing,” apparently more concerned about criminals facing consequences than protecting American communities from dangerous individuals.
The federal operation has exposed the weakness of sanctuary-style policies that have allowed fraud networks to flourish. HHS recently froze $185 million in Minnesota child care funds due to fraud risks, demonstrating how lax oversight has enabled systematic theft of taxpayer resources. This enforcement surge represents exactly the kind of accountability that American voters demanded when they elected Trump to restore law and order.
Watch the report: Homeland Security deploys more than 2,000 ICE agents to Minnesota in ‘largest DHS operation ever’
Sources:
- 2,000 federal agents deploying to Minneapolis in immigration crackdown
- Homeland Security plans 2,000 officers in Minnesota for its ‘largest immigration enforcement operation’
