The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced arrests of criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge on Tuesday, citing convictions including sexual assault, armed robbery, and drug trafficking as part of a federal enforcement push.
The announcement was issued on 13 January 2026 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which said the arrests followed enforcement activity in Minnesota neighbourhoods. DHS said the operation was intended to address public safety risks linked to serious criminal offenders and to enforce federal immigration law where cooperation with federal authorities has been limited.
Operation Metro Surge arrests in Minnesota
DHS said Operation Metro Surge led to the arrest of several individuals described by the department as criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota on 12 January 2026. According to DHS, those arrested had prior convictions for offences including rape, armed robbery, sexual assault, and drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, DHS stated that the arrests were carried out by federal law enforcement officers despite what it described as a lack of cooperation from state and city authorities. The department said the individuals taken into custody were among those it classifies as posing a public safety risk.
Arrest overview and enforcement context
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Arrests during operation | Multiple arrests reported on 12 January 2026 | DHS statement identifying individuals arrested during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota |
| ICE detainers in state custody | Over 1,360 detainers cited | DHS figures calling for cooperation with federal immigration enforcement |
DHS criticism of Minnesota leadership
DHS directly criticised Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement and of releasing individuals with criminal convictions back into the community. The department said nearly 470 criminal illegal aliens had been released in Minnesota since the current administration took office.
Additionally, DHS said it was calling on state and city leaders to honour immigration arrest detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The department framed the issue as a public safety concern, arguing that federal action was necessary where local cooperation was not provided.
Public safety and enforcement claims
- DHS assertion: DHS said the arrests included individuals convicted of rape, armed robbery, sexual assault, and drug trafficking, citing its own enforcement records.
- Local cooperation: DHS stated that state and city authorities declined to honour federal detainers, prompting direct federal action.
Named arrests highlighted by DHS
DHS released the names and conviction histories of six individuals arrested during Operation Metro Surge, describing them as examples of the enforcement focus. The department said the cases demonstrate its emphasis on individuals with serious criminal records.
However, DHS presented the arrests as evidence that federal enforcement activity can remove individuals it considers dangerous from local communities. The department linked these cases to its broader immigration enforcement strategy.
In Conclusion
DHS said the arrests carried out during Operation Metro Surge reflect its ongoing focus on enforcing federal immigration law against individuals with serious criminal convictions. The department framed the operation as a public safety measure and reiterated its call for state and local authorities to cooperate with federal enforcement efforts.
Sources: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Minneapolismn, CBS News, Fox News, and CNN.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources.
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