A recent operation by the Department of Homeland Security in Minneapolis has resulted in over 300 arrests of criminal immigrants within just two days, and the number may grow as thousands of immigration agents converge on the Twin Cities in an extensive crackdown.
This push comes amid a significant scandal involving human services fraud, prompting DHS to deploy more than 2,000 personnel, including from HSI, ICE, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It marks the largest federal immigration presence in the area since Trump took office.
“Since just after Thanksgiving, ICE has taken into custody more than 1,300 individuals in Minneapolis alone, with around 300 HSI officers actively investigating fraud. We arrested over 150 today and around 174 yesterday,” noted DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin.
She also indicated that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will join the initiative to address fraudulent activities and deport those with criminal backgrounds.
“I believe Americans are outraged by this. They want accountability and clarity on how their tax dollars are being used,” she expressed.
There’s a desire for assurance that laws are being enforced on those illegally in the country. “People want justice and for these individuals to be removed,” she added.
This is set to be a lengthy operation, but the agency is aiming to make progress quickly. “We want to be as efficient as possible, which is why we’re increasing our presence on the ground,” McLaughlin explained.
In a recent investigatory push, DHS found that nearly half of all immigrants in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area had engaged in some form of immigration fraud.
USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow highlighted numerous fraudulent practices, like marriage scams, visa overstays, and document forgery.
The attention surrounding a significant fraud scandal involving Minnesota’s human services program has surged nationally. Reports indicate that fraudsters embezzled at least $1 billion meant for the state’s social safety net.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson warned that total fraud might exceed a staggering $9 billion, with a House Oversight Committee hearing planned soon.
About 80 of the 98 individuals indicted thus far in this scheme are Somali immigrants, raising scrutiny over the community, which manages multiple childcare centers in the Twin Cities.
These centers have faced criticism regarding their actual service delivery, raising questions about the millions in state funds they receive.
The Department of Health and Human Services recently announced a freeze on federal payments to Minnesota Children’s Services until justifications for funding can be confirmed.
Strengthening rules is part of the Trump administration’s approach to tackling illegal immigration, with DHS at the forefront.
McLaughlin sent a strong message to those involved in fraud. “We will find you and ensure that you face the American justice system. We won’t ignore this issue as others have in the past,” she maintained.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, previously expected to run for a historic third term, unexpectedly withdrew his re-election bid last week amid a corruption scandal and questions regarding his knowledge of the situation.
Recently, DHS and ICE officials faced rejection at the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Lakeville, where reservations were suddenly canceled after the hotel discovered they were for immigration officials.
Hilton later cut ties with the hotel, which failed to honor the agreements following public backlash.
McLaughlin mentioned that DHS is exploring alternative accommodations for their ongoing operations, noting the hard work and long hours of the agents. “This treatment is discriminatory and un-American,” she remarked, while acknowledging the need for better action from hospitality brands to support the officials.
“But I think they should do more because this is just a first step and they can go further.”
