Amid ongoing deportation efforts targeting sanctuary cities, the Department of Homeland Security is turning its attention to the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, which has become another focal point for immigrants facing legal challenges.
The Washington Examiner noted that Tom Homan, the former border chief under the Trump administration, suggested a potential uptick in immigration enforcement could occur soon, possibly starting this week.
“There is heightened emphasis on these Twin Cities due to the criminal activities identified by both the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security,” Homan remarked during an interview on Fox News.
He added that plans to bolster resources specifically for the Twin Cities are already being formulated. Homan was careful not to disclose too many details, saying, “I don’t want to reveal everything… but the focus is indeed there.” He mentioned that while precise numbers of personnel involved remain undisclosed, the spotlight on the area is due to significant criminal activity uncovered during investigations.
According to an unnamed source, the operation aims primarily at individuals from the Somali community facing deportation orders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, with about 100 ICE agents reportedly involved.
This surge in immigration enforcement coincides with a broader investigation into a significant fraud scheme that arose during the coronavirus pandemic. Over 75 indictments have already been made, with Governor Tim Walz facing accusations of obstruction in the case.
Kelly Loeffler, Secretary of the Small Business Administration, announced an investigation into the network of Somali organizations involved in these fraudulent schemes. “Despite the attempts by Governor Walz to obstruct this investigation, we remain dedicated to unveiling abuses and holding wrongdoers accountable,” she stated.
Former President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, highlighted various issues tied to the Somali community in Minnesota, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of Somali refugees are impacting the state,” and expressed concerns about gang activity. He criticized Governor Walz and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, making inflammatory statements about their actions and behavior.
In response to the escalating situation, a DHS spokesperson emphasized, “ICE does not target individuals based on race or ethnicity; rather, it focuses on those residing in the country without legal status.”
