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Federal immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities is escalating, affecting residents, local jails, and communities navigating public safety and civil-rights concerns.
Federal officials said this week that a DHS-led operation in Minnesota resulted in new arrests of people the department described as repeat offenders and serious criminals, including individuals accused or convicted of drug trafficking, fraud, theft and prostitution.
DHS identified five of those arrested as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” an effort focused on the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, and blamed state and city leaders for not honoring immigration “detainers” in local custody cases.
The announcement lands as Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul pursue a federal lawsuit seeking to halt aspects of the operation, arguing the surge is unlawful and destabilizing for everyday life in the metro area.
It also comes amid heightened scrutiny after the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by an ICE agent earlier this month, which has prompted investigations and protests.
DHS said arrests tied to Operation Metro Surge included Khin Zaw Than, identified as a Burmese national with convictions that DHS listed as vehicle theft, obstructing police and possession of burglary tools, along with arrests for drug possession and DUI.
DHS also named Juan Gonzalez-Escamilla, whom it said has been removed from the U.S. multiple times and has convictions that include DUI, fraud, and impersonation.
The department also identified Juan Pablo Torres Cheme, described as an Ecuadorian national convicted of drug trafficking; Ying Li, described as convicted of prostitution; and Fadhily Abubakari Mshihiri, described as a Tanzanian national convicted of larceny.
Detainers are not criminal warrants issued by a judge. They are typically written requests asking a jail to hold someone for up to 48 hours after release so ICE can assume custody, and multiple courts have said local compliance is generally voluntary—an issue that often sits at the center of “sanctuary” disputes.
Takeaway: DHS is spotlighting specific arrests, while the legal fight continues over how far local agencies must go to assist federal immigration holds.
Federal officials and Minnesota leaders remain sharply divided over immigration enforcement. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin has accused Gov.
Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of refusing to cooperate with ICE, saying hundreds of people the agency labels as criminal offenders have been released and urging compliance with more than 1,360 ICE detainers.
State and city officials respond that their policies are meant to limit involvement in civil immigration enforcement to protect community trust and focus on local public safety, including a December executive order barring the use of city property to stage civil immigration operations.
The dispute is escalating as DHS increases its presence in the state. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has confirmed that hundreds more federal officers will be deployed, citing the need to protect personnel amid protests.
For residents, the impact is practical: large-scale enforcement can affect whether people feel safe traveling to work, school, hospitals, or city offices. Local agencies also face legal concerns, as courts have warned that holding individuals solely on ICE detainers can raise constitutional issues.
In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, the state and the cities say Operation Metro Surge began in December 2025 and that DHS has claimed to have deployed more than 2,000 agents, exceeding the combined number of sworn officers in Minneapolis and St. Paul, according to the complaint.
DHS has separately stated that roughly 2,000 federal officers are already operating in Minnesota, with additional deployments planned as the operation continues.
Local news coverage of the detainer dispute has also noted limited public disclosure of case-by-case details, including incomplete timelines on when individuals were released from state or local custody and under what legal authority.
What is an ICE detainer, and does a jail have to follow it?
An ICE detainer is a request asking a local jail to hold a person for up to 48 hours beyond their scheduled release so federal immigration authorities can take custody. Courts have repeatedly ruled that ICE detainers are not mandatory, and holding someone solely on a detainer can raise constitutional concerns if it unlawfully extends detention.
What is “Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota?
Operation Metro Surge is a large-scale Department of Homeland Security deployment in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area that began in December 2025, according to court filings by the state and the cities. DHS has separately stated that roughly 2,000 federal officers are involved, with additional personnel expected.
Why are Minneapolis and state leaders limiting cooperation with civil immigration enforcement?
Minnesota and Minneapolis officials say their policies are intended to preserve community trust and ensure residents continue to access public services without fear. A December executive order signed by Mayor Jacob Frey bars the use of city-owned parking facilities and vacant lots to stage civil immigration operations.
Are there confirmed investigations connected to recent enforcement actions?
Yes. Minnesota authorities have confirmed a criminal investigation into the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis resident by an ICE agent during a recent enforcement action. Separate legal challenges, including the lawsuit filed by Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, are also now pending in federal court.
The lawsuit filed by Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, meaning the court will first consider threshold legal questions and requests to block specific actions while the case proceeds.
The complaint names DHS, ICE, and other federal agencies and officials in their official capacities.
Separately, DHS leadership has said more officers will be sent to Minnesota, signaling that federal enforcement activity may expand even as litigation moves forward.
Local policy changes, such as Minneapolis’ restrictions on using city property for civil immigration operations remain in effect unless altered by city action or court order.
