Department of Homeland Security Targets Criminal Illegal Immigrants in Minnesota
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the apprehension of multiple individuals it labels “the worst of the worst” among criminal illegal immigrants during its recent Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. This operation underscores ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local leadership, particularly with state officials criticized for their non-cooperation with immigration authorities.
Why It Matters
This operation highlights a significant clash over immigration policies in sanctuary jurisdictions, where local leaders prioritize protecting undocumented immigrants. The DHS’s actions raise questions about public safety and criminal justice, particularly in communities that have chosen to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Key Developments
- DHS arrested several individuals deemed serious criminal threats, including a man with 24 felony convictions.
- Criticism has been directed at Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for their sanctuary policies.
- The operation has led to the detention of individuals from multiple countries, including Vietnam, Guatemala, and Venezuela.
- DHS claims that nearly 470 criminal illegal immigrants have been released back into Minnesota communities under similar policies since the Trump administration.
Full Report
The DHS’s Operation Metro Surge, part of a targeted effort to remove dangerous criminal illegal immigrants from local neighborhoods, has led to multiple arrests reported to include individuals with severe criminal histories. Among those arrested is Brian Anjain from the Marshall Islands, who boasts 24 criminal convictions covering a range of offenses such as domestic abuse and robbery.
Another significant arrest involved Hien Quoc Thai, a Vietnamese national previously convicted of murder. Eddy Xol-Lares from Venezuela was apprehended for conspiracy to distribute cocaine aboard a vessel. Other individuals from countries including Guatemala, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, South Africa, and Romania were also identified and detained for crimes spanning domestic violence to identity theft.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the urgent need for enhanced cooperation from local leaders, claiming this would not only ensure public safety but also prevent known criminals from residing in nearby neighborhoods.
The DHS’s appeal for collaboration from Governor Walz and Mayor Frey specifically urges them to honor ICE detainers for over 1,300 violent offenders currently in custody, arguing that such measures would significantly bolster community safety.
A public-facing database has been made available by DHS to communicate details about various enforcement actions against serious offenders nationwide.
Context & Previous Events
Since the Trump administration’s inception, DHS has reported that sanctuary-style policies have resulted in the release of nearly 470 criminal illegal immigrants back into Minnesota communities. The operation echoes ongoing national debates regarding the balance between immigration enforcement and local governance.
