Minnesota operation catches 400 undocumented immigrants, some of whom are violent offenders.

Exclusive: DHS Makes 400 Arrests in Twin Cities Amid Fraud Scandal

The Department of Homeland Security has reported 400 arrests in Minneapolis and St. Paul as part of Operation Metro Surge. This comes as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz navigates a growing fraud scandal linked to the Somali community in the Twin Cities.

Walz recently urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reevaluate the recent arrests, raising concerns about U.S. citizens possibly being swept up in the operations. However, DHS refuted these claims, clarifying that a woman mentioned by Walz, identified as “Sue,” was arrested for allegedly assaulting a federal officer.

“Tim Walz and Jacob Frey have not done enough to protect Minnesotans,” Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at DHS, stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation regarding the undocumented immigrants involved. “They’re allowing dangerous individuals and child predators to remain on the streets.”

According to McLaughlin, many of the 400 arrests included those charged or convicted of severe crimes like rape and pedophilia.

One of the most notorious individuals apprehended was Burmese national Van De La Sein, who has a criminal background including sexual conduct offenses. It’s worth noting he had been on a removal order for over a decade when arrested during the sweep.

Another individual, illegal immigrant Vanaroit Keomanee, had been convicted of rape in Ohio and faced a long-standing removal order from 2009.

Liban Ali Osman, a Somali national captured in the operation, had previously been convicted of robbery, and others included Somvan Prachansiri, who has a history of serious criminal charges.

Prachansiri, for instance, had been sentenced to over eight years in prison and had been under a removal order since the early 2000s. Similarly, Pol Mua, another Laotian national, was sentenced to more than ten years for multiple offenses, with a removal order dating back to the Bill Clinton administration.

Walz has not commented publicly but called on Noem to ensure judicial oversight in these arrests, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional rights. He expressed concern that detaining citizens for exercising their rights sends a troubling message.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey also hasn’t responded directly. However, he mentioned in a recent news conference that he had received alarming reports regarding federal agent activities during these operations, suggesting they might be more about instilling fear than effective enforcement.