Trump Deploys Massive DHS Force to Minnesota Amid Fraud Inquiry and Immigration Crackdown
The Trump management has initiated a large-scale deployment of hundreds of department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents to the Twin Cities area,escalating a federal crackdown linked to a widening fraud scandal in Minnesota. Multiple law enforcement officials familiar with the plan confirmed to CBS News that the operation could involve approximately 2,000 agents and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The plan, according to sources, centers around a 30-day surge in operations, positioning the Twin Cities as the initial major target of the administration’s expanded immigration enforcement efforts in the new year.
Fraud Investigation Fuels federal Response
The deployment is occurring against a backdrop of intense scrutiny of minnesota following years of high-profile fraud cases involving federally funded programs. These cases include some of the largest pandemic-era and post-pandemic fraud schemes in the nation, notably the “Feeding our Future” case, which has resulted in dozens of indictments and convictions. Federal prosecutors have charged over 90 individuals in Minnesota-based fraud cases since 2021, securing more than 60 convictions to date.Investigations have revealed alleged schemes spanning nutrition programs, housing stabilization initiatives, and child care assistance, with potential losses reaching billions of dollars.
In recent weeks, federal activity has visibly increased across the Minneapolis area, with HSI agents canvassing businesses and ICE officers conducting arrests in and around immigrant-populated neighborhoods. This increased law enforcement presence has sparked protests, confrontations, and widespread fear within immigrant communities, especially among Minnesota’s ample Somali-American population.
Immigration Enforcement Intensifies
Agents from HSI are expected to investigate alleged fraud cases, building upon inspections conducted last month at dozens of sites in the Minneapolis area. U.S. Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino, known for overseeing controversial immigration roundups in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and New Orleans, is anticipated to arrive in Minnesota to help lead enforcement efforts, accompanied by an unspecified number of U.S. Border Patrol personnel.
A former law enforcement official described the scale of the deployment as “exceptional,” noting that the number of HSI agents being sent to Minneapolis is comparable to the entire HSI workforce assigned to the state of Arizona. “This is a massive resource allocation,” the official stated, adding that Minneapolis is effectively becoming “the new Chicago,” referencing past large-scale federal enforcement deployments in Illinois. Officials estimate that as many as 600 HSI agents and up to 1,500 ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers could rotate through the Minneapolis area during the month-long operation. Tactical units, known as Special Response Teams, and a layered command structure of high-ranking supervisors are also slated to participate.
ICE launched “Operation Metro Surge” late last year, an immigration enforcement campaign in the Twin Cities targeting individuals with existing deportation orders, including those from Somalia.As of December 19, ICE had carried out nearly 700 arrests as part of this operation, according to DHS.
Political Fallout and State Response
The federal actions are unfolding as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a Democrat and nominee for vice President in 2024, announced he will not seek a third term amid mounting criticism. Sources indicate that Governor Walz met with Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar on Sunday as she considers a potential run for the governorship.
The Department of Health and Human Services has frozen $185 million in federal child care payments to Minnesota, citing ongoing fraud concerns.Governor Walz and other state leaders have cautioned that this move, coupled with the increased federal law enforcement presence, could inadvertently harm legitimate businesses and families reliant on public assistance programs.
President trump has repeatedly invoked Somalia – often using inflammatory language – to justify his administration’s aggressive deportation policies. Last month, he referred to people from Somalia as “garbage” and asserted they “contribute nothing,” stating, “I don’t want them in our country. I’ll be honest with you. their country’s no good for a reason. Their country stinks.”
The situation in Minnesota underscores the complex interplay between federal immigration enforcement, state-level fraud investigations, and the potential for political ramifications as the 2024 election cycle intensifies.
