The federal government is ending its heightened immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis, Minnesota. White House border czar Tom Homan announced on Thursday that the surge, launched in January following allegations of fraud at Minneapolis-based child care centers highlighted by a right-wing YouTuber, will conclude.
A State Cataloging Damage
Minnesota’s leaders responded with somber assessments. Governor Tim Walz, speaking to reporters after Homan’s announcement, described the operation as leaving “deep damage, generational trauma,” and “economic ruin.” Walz also raised unanswered questions regarding the investigations into the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Walz noted that a number of Minnesota students have recently lost contact with their schools, with some later reportedly found in a Texas detention facility. He also referenced ongoing investigations into the shooting deaths of Good and Pretti at the hands of federal agents. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated that federal law enforcement has not cooperated with state and local investigations into the deaths of Good and Pretti, calling the lack of cooperation “very unusual.”
Financial Relief Proposed
Governor Walz announced a $10 million emergency relief package in the form of forgivable loans for small businesses that experienced losses during the period of increased federal enforcement. Walz emphasized that this is only a “small piece” of a larger recovery effort, stating, “The federal government needs to pay for what they broke here.”
The weeks-long operation brought to light several disturbing incidents: the shooting deaths of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse; the use of a five-year-old boy, Liam Ramos, to lure his father for arrest; the tear-gassing of the Jackson family, rendering their six-month-old unresponsive; and the experience of ChongLy Thao, a U.S. Citizen forced from his home while wearing only a bathrobe.
The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit challenging ICE’s actions in Minnesota, citing depositions from over two dozen U.S. Citizens and legal residents who allege they were racially profiled by masked agents. These individuals reported being detained without warrants despite providing proof of legal status.
The Department of Homeland Security claims to have made 4,000 arrests since the operation began, but local news outlets have questioned these figures. One journalist mapping publicly listed arrests found only 335.
Tom Homan, who took command of the operation after a previous commander was relieved of duties in January, stated, “We’ve seen a big change here in the last couple of weeks,” and “it’s all good changes.”
Public support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement has declined, with two-thirds of Americans surveyed believing the agency has “gone too far,” 62 percent feeling less safe, and 72 percent supporting either abolishment or reform of the agency.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed Walz’s sentiments, stating the operation was “catastrophic” and expressing hope for support as the city recovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the end of Operation Metro Surge?
The operation is ending after White House border czar Tom Homan announced the decision on Thursday, following allegations of fraud at Minneapolis-based child care centers highlighted by a right-wing YouTuber.
What concerns has Governor Walz raised regarding the operation?
Governor Walz has stated the operation caused “deep damage, generational trauma,” and “economic ruin” to Minnesota, and raised questions about the investigations into the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as the whereabouts of missing students.
What is the ACLU’s involvement in challenging ICE’s actions?
The ACLU has filed a federal lawsuit challenging ICE’s actions in Minnesota, based on depositions from U.S. Citizens and legal residents who allege they were racially profiled.
As Minnesota begins to address the fallout from this federal intervention, what role will community healing and accountability play in the state’s recovery?
