1,700 migrants deported from Minnesota in federal enforcement surge targeting Somali community
Apr 13, 2026·Location: Minneapolis, MN

The Department of Homeland Security deployed approximately 2,000 to 3,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis area for Operation Metro Surge, described as one of the largest immigration enforcement operations ever conducted by the agency. The operation, partly tied to allegations of fraud involving Somali residents, resulted in approximately 1,700 deportations over three months. Despite an initial focus on Somali immigrants, only two people were deported to Somalia, while most were sent to Mexico and Ecuador. Many arrested migrants were transferred to Camp East Montana in Texas, a facility that has been criticized for dangerous conditions. ICE activity declined significantly after February 12, 2026, when the administration announced the surge's end.
Timeline
Sources
- ICE detained fewer non-criminals since Minnesota crackdown, driving a decline in detention population, data shows
- ICE crackdown eases after killings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti in Minneapolis; many noncriminals still arrested
- Homeland Security plans 2,000 officers in Minnesota for its 'largest immigration operation ever'
Associated Press·Jan 6, 2026·archived copy
- 2,000 federal agents are being deployed to Minneapolis in an escalated immigration push. Here’s what we know
CNN·Jan 6, 2026·archived copy
- southernminn.com
- sctimes.com
- Star Tribune
- Minnesotans challenge warrantless ICE raids in new lawsuit
mprnews.org·Apr 2, 2026·archived copy
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