DHS Reports Surge in Arrests of Illegal Immigrants in Minnesota
The Department of Homeland Security shared on Wednesday that federal law enforcement has detained over 4,000 illegal immigrants in Minnesota since the kickoff of Operation Metro Surge in late 2025.
According to White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt, these immigration policies from President Trump are yielding the security outcomes that many Americans have been seeking. “More than 4,000 dangerous illegal aliens have been apprehended in Minnesota since the operation’s launch,” she stated, expressing a clear sense of urgency about the situation.
She noted that “Democrats have opened our borders to violent criminals—murderers, rapists, gang members, and others—who have compromised the safety of our communities. President Trump is determined to correct this lapse and remove these dangers from our nation.”
Operation Metro Surge is an active initiative targeting immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota, emphasizing the administration’s goal to deport illegal immigrants, especially those with violent criminal histories.
DHS reported numerous arrests just on Tuesday, including an individual from Honduras with convictions for domestic violence and DUI; another from Mexico, involved in assault, theft, and drug possession; and a man from El Salvador convicted of trespassing.
Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Our law enforcement officers have been on the front lines, arresting over 4,000 illegal aliens, including individuals with serious offenses. We need sanctuary politicians to communicate with us before releasing public safety threats back into their communities.”
Federal agents intensified operations in Minnesota towards the end of 2025 in response to a significant welfare and social services fraud scheme, which mostly involved ethnic Somalis in the state.
The state’s intensified immigration crackdown has led to civil unrest, with protests disrupting services and skirmishes occurring in the Twin Cities. Tragic incidents, including the deaths of two individuals during protests, have increased criticism directed at the Trump administration.
In January, President Trump sent Border Patrol Agent Tom Homan to the Twin Cities to continue addressing the situation after a Border Patrol agent was involved in a shooting incident.
This week, it was announced that 700 law enforcement officers will leave the area, aiming to decrease federal visibility as local officials ramp up their cooperation with the administration. Local jails have started coordinating with federal authorities to expedite detentions of illegal immigrants currently in custody.
Homan emphasized that the new cooperation between counties and his team allows for more efficient operations. With fewer officers needed for each apprehension, the process of detaining those considered public safety risks has become more streamlined.
Leavitt remarked that Homan’s plan for reduced federal personnel corresponds with the recent successful operation that resulted in more than 4,000 arrests in Minnesota. She highlighted the importance of collaboration between elected officials and federal law enforcement in enhancing community safety.
