Minneapolis – Federal immigration agents have intensified raids across Minnesota’s Twin Cities in recent weeks, targeting undocumented Somalis and sending waves of panic through the state’s largest immigrant community. As of December 24, 2025, Operation Metro Surge has led to over 400 arrests, with ICE officials confirming the focus on criminal offenders but acknowledging collateral impacts on families and businesses. Residents in Cedar-Riverside, known as Little Mogadishu, report schools emptying and stores shuttering as fear of deportation grips the area.
The operations, part of President Donald Trump’s mandate for 1 million annual removals, have drawn cheers from his base, who see it as fulfilling campaign promises to prioritize American citizens. “This is exactly what 77 million Americans voted for—law and order,” said a supporter at a St. Paul rally, echoing sentiments that undocumented immigrants strain resources and contribute to crime. DHS data shows Minnesota’s Somali population, around 80,000, has been under scrutiny for visa fraud, with up to 50% of entries potentially illegitimate amid scandals like the $250 million Feeding Our Future theft.
Community leaders decry the raids as overreach. Rep. Ilhan Omar called them “targeted terror,” urging residents to know their rights and film encounters. Protests have clashed with agents, including incidents where crowds blocked vans, forcing non-lethal responses like pepper balls. Local economies suffer: Somali-owned shops report 30% sales drops, and labor shortages hit construction and healthcare.
Trump’s administration defends the surge, with Border Czar Tom Homan stating it’s “removing threats to make Minnesota safe.” As deportations top 2.5 million nationwide, Minnesota’s turmoil tests the policy’s human cost: Security for some, upheaval for others. With midterms on the horizon, the raids could solidify Trump’s legacy—or fuel backlash in this purple state.
