ICE agents carried out another large-scale enforcement operation in Minneapolis over the weekend, arresting several illegal immigrants accused of serious crimes such as child abuse, drug trafficking, and violent assaults, the New York Post reports. Officials described the effort as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” the largest of its kind in Minnesota, and confirmed that the initiative is set to expand further with up to 1,000 additional federal officers joining in the coming weeks.
Among those now awaiting deportation are a Somali national previously arrested on multiple charges including credit card fraud and drug trafficking; a Mexican citizen with a history of child cruelty and battery arrests; and a Thai national convicted of possessing 200 ecstasy tablets. Other detainees include Saeb Sivixay of Laos, who has prior convictions for selling amphetamines, assault, and contributing to a minor’s delinquency; and Ever Joel Lopez Del Cid, who was previously arrested for carrying a weapon, aggravated assault, and obstructing justice.
The list also includes Miguel Salvador-Reyes of Mexico, charged previously with cruelty toward a child, and Mario Yubany Fuentes-Sanchez from Honduras, arrested in the past for terroristic threats and domestic violence. Another individual, Danny Yasmani Suares Munoz of Ecuador, has been accused of multiple counts of domestic violence and aggravated assault after entering the U.S. illegally in July 2023. Officials further identified Ansar Abdullahi Samatar, a Somali national with prior arrests for narcotics and possession of dangerous drugs, among those detained.
The operation has continued despite vocal opposition from activists and local politicians criticizing ICE’s presence in the Twin Cities. Tensions have risen following the recent fatal incident involving Renee Good, who was killed after driving her SUV toward an ICE agent. Demonstrators, backed by some city leaders, have condemned the agency’s tactics and called for the withdrawal of federal agents.
In a statement, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised the officers involved, asserting that ICE will “not be deterred by rioters or sanctuary politicians” and will persist in removing “the worst of the worst” from Minnesota communities, according to The Post.
“As rioters and sanctuary politicians demonized and attempted to obstruct our brave ICE law enforcement, they continued to remove the worst of the worst from Minnesota,” McLaughlin said. “We will not let rioters or sanctuary politicians slow us down from arresting and removing the worst of the worst from Minnesota neighborhoods.”
Over the past week, approximately 2,000 federal immigration agents have been deployed across the region, resulting in hundreds of arrests. Sources cited by CNN say another 1,000 immigration officers are set to join.