In brief
The Trump administration has mobilized approximately 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis in what is described as the largest immigration enforcement operation in U.S. history. The operation targets allegations of fraud related to nutrition and pandemic aid, and it aims to address rising political and community tensions in the area. Officials from ICE and Homeland Security assert that the initiative will focus on investigating fraud and will include specialized units to conduct arrests and deportations.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has launched what officials describe as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever initiated, deploying up to 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis area as part of a crackdown tied to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents. This operation, initiated over the weekend, signifies one of the most extensive federal law enforcement mobilizations in Minnesota in recent years, amidst increasing political and community tensions.Acting Director Todd Lyons of ICE stated in an interview that this is 'the largest immigration operation ever,' although he did not disclose the exact number of officers involved. The vast majority of the personnel will hail from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations, responsible for immigration arrests and deportations, alongside agents from Homeland Security Investigations who will be investigating allegations of fraud, human smuggling, and unlawful employment practices.Recent increases in immigration arrests have been noted in the Minneapolis area, with over 1,000 arrests already made for serious offenses such as murder and sexual assault. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has accompanied agents during the operation, visibly involved in the arrests.This crackdown comes as President Trump has frequently tied his administration's immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota to significant fraud cases concerning federal nutrition and pandemic aid programs predominantly involving individuals with Somali backgrounds. The ongoing operation may continue to evolve in scope and duration as authorities assess developments.