Pets left behind in Minnesota suburbs as ICE operation continues, rescuers say
Feb 6, 2026·Location: St. Paul, MN

Animal rescue organizations across Minnesota's Twin Cities continue to see a surge in pets needing care amid immigration enforcement, with Pet Haven in St. Paul processing roughly 360 animals and Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley documenting 7 surrendered pets. Two German Shepherds were left behind when a woman in Elk River was detained and transported to Texas, and veterinary appointment no-show rates have jumped from 20% to 40%. Pet Haven reports a recent uptick in surrendered animals from suburbs including Eagan, Apple Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Bloomington and Anoka, and says at least 237 families, mostly on the east side of the metro, have been sheltering with their pets without easy access to food or support. One dog, later named Otto, was found after surviving a month alone in an abandoned car in subzero cold.
Sources
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