Federal Agents Conclude Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota

Federal immigration agents have concluded a significant enforcement initiative known as Operation Metro Surge, which targeted individuals with criminal histories in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas. This operation involved predawn surveillance and traffic stops aimed at detaining people accused of being in the country illegally, alongside those with prior criminal records.

During one operation around 5 a.m. in St. Paul, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) monitored a residence associated with a man previously arrested for driving under the influence. An ICE agent, speaking during a ride-along with “Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson,” detailed the strategy: “So we already have two units positioned out near the first target.” Officers typically observe suspects entering vehicles or leaving homes before initiating traffic stops.

The tactical approach is designed to minimize risks to both officers and the public. However, agents encountered an unexpected situation when they stopped a driver who was not their intended target but was already in immigration proceedings. “When they initiated the vehicle stop, they determined that this person was not the original target,” the agent noted. Officers stated they would review the individual’s criminal history before deciding on any further action.

Operation Overview and Community Response

Operation Metro Surge deployed thousands of personnel to the Twin Cities over more than two months as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Officials characterized their targets as individuals involved in serious crimes, including sexual offenses and repeated DUI arrests. “Our targets today range from … a person that is out there who has sexual offenses,” the agent explained. “We had people that were out there for DUIs.”

While the operation focused on those with additional criminal charges, agents acknowledged that individuals found to be in the country illegally could also be taken into custody. “If you’re in the country illegally and we encounter you, we will take you into custody,” the agent stated.

The initiative sparked protests from activists who opposed the crackdown. Demonstrators gathered near ICE facilities and monitored enforcement activities, voicing their concerns over the operation’s implications for immigrant communities.

As the operation neared its conclusion, federal authorities began scaling back the number of deployed agents. This shift occurred after local Minnesota sheriffs agreed to transfer immigrants arrested for new crimes into federal custody rather than releasing them. According to an ICE agent, “The changes were brought about because we were getting the cooperation that we were seeking. Now we can focus on the targets that are going into the jail and getting them in a secure environment and then go out to get the ones that we missed.”

The increased cooperation from local law enforcement allows ICE to prioritize arrests within jails, where conditions are more controlled, while still pursuing individuals previously overlooked in earlier operations.

Ongoing Scrutiny and Future Implications

Despite the scaling back of ICE deployments, immigration enforcement activity in the region is expected to persist at reduced levels. The operation has also faced scrutiny regarding use-of-force incidents. Reports indicate that ICE placed two agents on administrative leave amid allegations of false statements related to a shooting incident in January involving a man who had entered the United States illegally.

As the final phase of Operation Metro Surge wraps up, federal officials remain focused on ensuring that immigration enforcement continues effectively in the Twin Cities. The operation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and community response, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in the region.

“Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson” airs at 10 a.m. Sunday on WJLA (Channel 7) and WBFF (Channel 45).