MINNEAPOLIS, MN January 23, 2026 – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) held a live press conference on January 23, 2026, to provide updates on Operation Metro Surge, a major immigration enforcement initiative in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Officials announced that more than 3,300 individuals described as “criminal illegal aliens” have been arrested since the operation began on November 29, 2025. This surge is part of a broader effort that has seen over 10,000 arrests in Minnesota over the past year.
The operation, touted by federal authorities as the largest immigration enforcement action in U.S. history, involves deploying up to 3,000 federal agents to the Twin Cities area. It targets individuals with serious criminal histories, including murderers, rapists, gang members, and those involved in drug offenses. During the conference, ICE Executive Associate Director Marcos Charles highlighted specific cases, such as the arrest of an MS-13 gang member convicted of strong-armed rape and a Haitian national convicted of second-degree murder. Charles criticized Minnesota’s sanctuary policies, urging local leaders like Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to cooperate with federal detainers to protect public safety.
Border Patrol Commander-at-Large Greg Bovino also addressed recent clashes with protesters, describing operations as a “running battle” against violent anarchists and rioters who targeted law enforcement. He noted the use of less-lethal measures like CS gas and pepper balls for officer safety and lamented the lack of support from the Minneapolis Police Department. Bovino emphasized the commitment to continue the mission, praising Vice President JD Vance for supporting their efforts.
Operation Metro Surge has sparked significant controversy. Local officials and community leaders have decried it as a “siege” or “military occupation,” with the Minnesota Attorney General, alongside the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, filing a federal lawsuit on January 12, 2026, to halt the operation, citing unconstitutional tactics and harm to communities. Critics argue that the deployment of thousands of armed agents has created fear and disrupted daily life in the region, where federal officers now outnumber local police five to one.
A study by North Star Policy Action estimates the operation costs taxpayers $18 million per week, covering agent compensation, lodging, and other expenses. Proponents, including ICE Director Todd M. Lyons, maintain that the focus is on removing “the worst of the worst” offenders, such as gang members from groups like MS-13, to enhance national security and public safety.
Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) to the ICE announcement were polarized. Supporters praised the agents as “heroes” protecting Americans, with comments like “DEPORT THEM ALL. EVERY. SINGLE. ILLEGAL. NO EXCEPTIONS. NO AMNESTY. AMERICA FIRST!” and “Thank you sir!” Others criticized the operation harshly, calling ICE agents “NAZIS” or questioning tactics in replies such as “Why is ICE targeting children? Wtf is wrong with you ghouls!” accompanied by videos and images.
As Operation Metro Surge continues, federal officials have signaled no immediate end, stating their work is “just getting started.” The initiative, which expanded from the Twin Cities to all of Minnesota, remains a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement.
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