The White House announced Tuesday that more than 4,000 “criminal illegal aliens” have been arrested in Minnesota under the controversial Operation Metro Surge, claiming the massive enforcement action has successfully removed “vicious criminals” from American communities.
Launched January 1, 2026, the operation began with an unprecedented deployment of 2,000 federal agents across Minnesota, later expanding to 3,000 — making it the largest federal law enforcement deployment in U.S. history, according to information published by Pambazuka.
“President Trump’s commonsense immigration enforcement policies are delivering the public safety results the American people demanded,” the White House statement read. “Democrats opened our borders and allowed vicious criminals, including murderers, rapists, gang members, and terrorists, to invade our communities. President Trump is reversing that horrific damage.”
Reality behind the numbers
But the administration’s characterization of those detained doesn’t fully align with available data. Analysis indicates many detainees in Minnesota have no criminal records, including minors and asylum seekers. Nationally, approximately 73.6% of ICE detainees had no criminal record as of late 2025.
The Department of Homeland Security has claimed over 3,500 arrests in the first nine weeks of the operation, though these figures remain difficult to independently verify as names and detailed arrest information aren’t publicly shared.
Border Czar Tom Homan highlighted increased cooperation from local jurisdictions as a key factor in the operation’s scale. “We currently have an unprecedented number of counties communicating with us now and allowing ICE to take custody of illegal aliens BEFORE they hit the streets,” Homan stated on social media.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections directly transferred 84 individuals from state prisons to ICE custody in 2025, and regularly honors ICE detainers according to DOC Commissioner Paul Schnell.
Expanding enforcement scope
What’s particularly notable about the current operation? Homan has explicitly stated that enforcement isn’t limited to those with criminal records.
“For those who are not a national security threat or public safety risk, you are NOT exempt from immigration enforcement actions. If you’re in the country illegally, you are NOT off the table,” Homan declared. “Let me be clear: President Trump fully intends to achieve mass deportations during this Administration.”
The White House statement also noted that the administration plans to “draw down forces in Minneapolis” following what it described as “unprecedented cooperation from state and local officials in Minnesota.”
Economic fallout
The operation’s impact extends beyond those directly targeted. Minneapolis businesses have reported significant economic effects, with 80% of surveyed partners experiencing canceled or reduced bookings, and 90% reporting impacts from fear and stress in the community.
“We know that various neighborhoods and businesses are seeing some of those impacts as it relates to visitor traffic,” said Courtney Ries, senior vice president of destination, branding and strategy for Meet Minneapolis, in comments reported by CBS Minnesota.
The operation has also caused substantial workforce disruption, with 72% of businesses reporting staffing absenteeism since the operation began.
As the administration celebrates what it calls a public safety victory, communities across Minnesota continue to grapple with the broader consequences of what remains the most extensive immigration enforcement action in modern American history — one that shows no signs of ending as the White House doubles down on its deportation agenda.
