U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) launched Operation Metro Surge on December 1, 2025, in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, focusing on the arrest of non-citizens with criminal histories involved in immigration violations and welfare fraud schemes.
The operation targets individuals described by federal officials as the “worst of the worst,” including those convicted of child sex offenses, domestic violence, gang activity, and fraud. This comes amid a broader federal probe into a multi-billion-dollar welfare fraud network in Minnesota, primarily linked to Somali immigrant communities, where taxpayer funds from programs like child nutrition and DHS-administered welfare were allegedly siphoned off—potentially funneling proceeds to overseas terrorist groups like al-Shabaab.
The raids have sparked intense debate: Supporters, including the Trump administration, frame them as essential accountability for exploiting social safety nets meant for vulnerable Americans, while critics, including local Democrats and immigrant advocates, argue they terrorize non-criminal communities, scoop up U.S. citizens, and serve as political theater targeting Minnesota’s large Somali diaspora (the largest in North America).
Launched December 1, 2025, with “strike teams” deployed to Twin Cities neighborhoods, Somali enclaves, malls, and day labor sites. By December 7, ICE reported at least 19 arrests in Minnesota alone, part of a multi-state surge yielding 63 total detentions across MN, IA, NE, ND, and SD.
Targets: Primarily undocumented Somali immigrants with deportation orders and fraud convictions. A high-profile arrest was Abdul Dahir Ibrahim, a Somali national with a 2004 deportation order and prior Canadian convictions for asylum and welfare fraud. He was photographed with Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar, drawing political scrutiny.
Crimes Involved: 75% of detainees had prior convictions, including assault, drug distribution, child abuse, and fraud. The raids tie into the Feeding Our Future scandal (a $250 million+ COVID-era fraud via fake nonprofits) and broader schemes defrauding nearly $300 million in child nutrition funds, with evidence of fake IDs, bogus billing, and money laundering.
| Aspect | Federal Claims (DHS/ICE) | Criticisms (Local Advocates/Dems) |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest Numbers | 19 in MN (Dec 1-7); 63 multi-state; focus on criminals like pedophiles and gang members. | Fewer than half Somali; 65% no serious record (e.g., traffic violations); some U.S. citizens detained. |
| Fraud Scale | $1B+ in welfare/nutrition scams; ties to al-Shabaab; 50% fraud rate in sampled refugee files. | 89% of charged in related cases are U.S. citizens; raids use fraud as pretext for broad sweeps. |
| Community Impact | Protects taxpayers; removes threats (e.g., murderers, abusers). | “Un-American” fear-mongering; armed agents at Somali malls; violates rights (e.g., lawsuits over “Know Your Rights” bans). |
| Political Ties | Linked to Walz/Omar via photos; Trump calls MN a “fraud hub.” | Racist rhetoric; ignores root causes like underfunding; hurts integrated communities. |
Background on the Welfare Fraud ProbeMinnesota has faced multiple fraud exposés:
Feeding Our Future (2022-ongoing): A $250M scheme using fake companies to claim reimbursements for non-existent meals, leading to 70+ federal charges. Recent probes (e.g., Operation Twin Shield in Sept 2025) uncovered fraud in ~50% of 1,000+ Somali refugee/asylee files, including visa overstays and document forgery.
Broader Network: Congressional investigations and whistleblowers revealed a multi-state ring defrauding DHS welfare programs via fake dependents and billing. Funds allegedly flowed to Somali militants, per intelligence reports.
Prior Operations: A January 2025 four-day surge arrested 22 in MN for similar crimes; May 2025 warrants hit fraud rings in MN/NE.
Pro-Enforcement: DHS Acting Director: “ICE will find, arrest, and deport ALL criminal illegal aliens.” Trump allies applaud, citing it as cleanup after “years of elite neglect.”
Opposition: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for “love and respect” for Somalis; rallies at Brian Coyle Community Center decried “targeted terror.” A lawsuit by ISLA challenges MN’s “Act 399,” banning immigrant rights education near raids.
This operation reflects escalating federal focus on immigration enforcement in sanctuary-leaning states like Minnesota, where Somali refugees (arriving since the 1990s) contribute economically but face heightened scrutiny amid fraud scandals. As of December 8, 2025, more arrests are expected, with ongoing probes into political connections.
