Federal Authorities Ramp Up Immigration Crackdown in Minneapolis

Thu Jan 08 2026 11:03:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. government has initiated one of its largest immigration enforcement operations in recent history, deploying around 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis amid accusations of fraud, particularly involving Somali communities.

In a major immigration enforcement operation, the Trump administration has sent approximately 2,000 federal agents to Minneapolis. The operation targets alleged fraud involving Somali residents, expanding federal law enforcement presence significantly. Department of Homeland Security leaders have reported over 1,000 arrests, highlighting their focus on suspected offenders tied to serious crimes. This campaign reflects an intensifying federal effort to address immigration and community concerns in the area.

In a groundbreaking operation, the Trump administration has unveiled a significant escalation in immigration enforcement, deploying nearly 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis area to crack down on allegations of fraud, particularly involving members of the Somali community.

This operation marks one of the most extensive mobilizations of U.S. immigration and customs enforcement in years, aimed at addressing rising tensions in local politics and communities.

According to sources, three-quarters of the personnel involved will come from ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, with a focus on investigating fraud claims and conducting arrests of immigrants violating immigration law.

Acting Director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, emphasized in a recent interview that this operation represents the agency's largest effort of this kind, although specific figures were not disclosed.

With agents including specialized teams from Homeland Security Investigations, the operation is set to target human smuggling and unlawful employment practices. Agents have been reported conducting door-to-door inquiries in Minneapolis.

As the crackdown progresses, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been seen actively participating in arrests, stating that individuals will be held accountable for their alleged crimes. One man detained during the operation was wanted on charges including murder.

The operation follows a troubling trend of increasing immigration arrests in Minneapolis and aligns with Trump administration's assertions linking immigration to fraudulent claims related to federal aid programs. Critics, however, caution about the potential implications for community relations and civil rights.

The scope and duration of this operation remain fluid, with additional changes possible as the enforcement measures develop.