Major Immigration Operation in Minneapolis Leads to Thousands of Arrests
The Department of Homeland Security made a significant announcement on Monday. They revealed that federal agents have arrested more than 10,000 illegal immigrants in the Minneapolis area. This crackdown began when President Donald Trump started his second term in office.
Surge in Arrests Sparks Political Tensions
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem provided updated figures during her statement. She said nearly 3,000 of these arrests happened in just the past six weeks. This recent surge followed a decision to deploy additional federal agents to the region.
Multiple agencies participated in this large-scale operation. Personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, known as ICE, worked alongside Customs and Border Protection agents. Homeland Security Investigations officers also played a crucial role in the arrests.
Secretary Noem took to social media to celebrate the operation's results. She posted a message on X that read "PEACE AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN MINNEAPOLIS!" In her post, she claimed those arrested included dangerous criminals. She specifically mentioned individuals convicted of murder, sexual assault, and child exploitation crimes.
The DHS secretary directed strong criticism at local Minnesota officials. She accused Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of failing their residents. According to Noem, these local leaders protected criminals instead of their own citizens.
Local Officials Push Back Against Federal Actions
Mayor Frey responded forcefully to the increased federal presence in his city. During a Sunday appearance on CNN's State of the Union program, he described the situation as an "invasion." The mayor has consistently criticized what he views as excessive federal enforcement measures.
Secretary Noem made another serious allegation during her announcements. She claimed investigators have discovered massive fraud within Minnesota's social services system. According to her statements, this fraudulent activity could total at least $19 billion. She described this figure as just "the tip of the iceberg."
Homeland Security Investigations agents are now conducting widespread inquiries across Minneapolis. They are examining potential misuse of both state and federal funds. The $19 billion estimate exceeds previous figures cited by federal prosecutors.
Protests Erupt Following Fatal Shooting
These announcements come during a period of intense public protest across the United States. The demonstrations began after a tragic incident earlier this month. An ICE agent fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
Good was a mother of three children. Her death has generated enormous public outrage. Activists are demanding accountability for her killing. They also want an end to what they describe as violent tactics used by ICE agents.
In response to the ongoing protests, the Pentagon has taken precautionary measures. Officials confirmed that approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers stationed in Alaska are now on standby. These troops could potentially deploy if the situation escalates further.
Mayor Frey criticized this military preparation as "ridiculous." He emphasized that most demonstrations in his city have remained peaceful despite the tensions.
Church Protest Draws Federal Investigation
The Department of Justice announced another development on Sunday. Federal investigators will examine protesters who disrupted services at a St. Paul church. This particular church reportedly has a local ICE official serving as one of its pastors.
Livestream footage captured the scene inside the church. Demonstrators from Black Lives Matter Minnesota chanted loudly during the service. Their shouts included phrases like "ICE out" and "justice for Renee Good."
The situation in Minneapolis continues to develop rapidly. Federal immigration enforcement remains a deeply divisive issue. Local officials and federal authorities maintain fundamentally different approaches to public safety and immigration policy.
