ICE Makes More Than 400 Arrests in Twin Cities as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ Intensifies

 

Dept. of Homeland Security

ICE Makes More Than 400 Arrests in Twin Cities as ‘Operation Metro Surge’ Intensifies

Minneapolis–St. Paul — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made more than 400 arrests across the Twin Cities so far in December, averaging roughly 40 arrests per day, as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s newly launched Operation Metro Surge.

The figure was reported by NBC Senior White House Correspondent Gabe Gutierrez, who joined ICE agents on a pre-dawn ride-along in Minneapolis and St. Paul this week. He shared the details during an interview with KARE 11.

Gutierrez said agents began their operations before sunrise, making stops at multiple locations across the metro area. However, many attempted arrests were complicated by logistical challenges — including individuals not being present at their listed addresses or property managers refusing to allow agents inside apartment buildings.

According to Gutierrez, agents were specifically searching for undocumented immigrants with final orders of removal, but they emphasized that they were not targeting any particular ethnic group. Community rumors about a focused crackdown on Somali residents were directly denied by ICE.

“They are going after undocumented immigrants, even those without so-called ‘lengthy criminal histories,’” Gutierrez said. “The way they see it, if they’re in this country illegally, they are breaking the law — and that has been the position of the Trump administration that we hear over and over again from White House officials.”

ICE agents also described growing tensions with the public during enforcement actions. In at least one instance, Gutierrez reported that a crowd made it difficult for agents to leave the scene. At others, individuals blew whistles directly in agents’ faces as an act of protest.

The heightened enforcement comes amid renewed national debate over immigration policy and increasing public scrutiny of ICE operations in urban communities. Operation Metro Surge is expected to continue through December, with additional deployments possible depending on DHS directives.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many people has ICE arrested in the Twin Cities this month?

ICE has made more than 400 arrests in the Twin Cities since December 1, averaging around 40 arrests per day.

2. What is Operation Metro Surge?

Operation Metro Surge is a DHS enforcement initiative aimed at locating and arresting undocumented immigrants with final orders of removal.

3. Who first reported the 400+ arrest figure?

NBC Senior White House Correspondent Gabe Gutierrez reported the number after participating in a ride-along with ICE agents.

4. When do ICE operations typically take place?

According to Gutierrez, the operations begin before dawn and continue throughout the morning.

5. What challenges are ICE agents facing during arrests?

Challenges include:

• Targets not being present at expected locations

• Property managers refusing entry to agents

• Crowds obstructing vehicles

• Protesters blowing whistles at agents

6. Who is ICE targeting during Operation Metro Surge?

Agents say they are targeting undocumented immigrants with final removal orders, not specific ethnic groups or communities.

7. Are Somali residents being targeted?

ICE insists they are not specifically targeting the Somali community, despite local concerns and rumors.

8. Does ICE arrest people without criminal histories?

Yes. ICE agents told KARE 11 they arrest undocumented individuals even if they do not have lengthy criminal records, citing illegal entry as a violation of federal law.

9. What tensions have ICE agents encountered during operations?

Agents described rising public hostility, including crowds blocking vehicles and protesters blowing whistles directly in their faces.

10. Will Operation Metro Surge continue?

Based on DHS directives, the operation is expected to continue through December, with the possibility of expanded enforcement.