The surge in federal officers comes one month after the Trump administration sent ICE officers to the Twin Cities area, where the state’s Somali population is heavily concentrated. The Twin Cities refer to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
The deployment of 2,000 officers is expected to involve personnel from ICE’s deportation branch and Homeland Security Investigations. The figure was reported by multiple news outlets on Monday.
In a statement to the Washington Examiner, DHS did not directly confirm the number.
“While for the safety of our officers we do not get into law enforcement footprint, DHS has surged law enforcement and has already made more than 1,000 arrests of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, who has overseen federal immigration operations in Chicago and other major cities, will reportedly help lead the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
The expanded deportation push arrives as Minnesota officials become embroiled in a widening social services fraud scandal involving day care centers and businesses run by local Somali residents. The Trump administration is investigating the state’s involvement in the scandal on several fronts.
The highest state figure affected by the federal scrutiny was Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), who announced on Monday he would forgo seeking reelection for a third term due to the fraud crisis. Walz has faced criticism over his office’s handling of the recently exposed welfare fraud.
Walz accused President Donald Trump and Republicans of politicizing the scandal. Following Walz’s campaign exit, Trump personally attacked the Democratic governor and suggested there may be others who could face justice.
“Minnesota’s Corrupt Governor will possibly leave office before his Term is up but, in any event, will not be running again because he was caught, REDHANDED, along with Ilhan Omar, and others of his Somali friends, stealing Tens of Billions of Taxpayer Dollars,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
DHS SAYS HILTON INTENTIONALLY CANCELED ICE OFFICER HOTEL RESERVATIONS
As part of the fallout from the federal government’s presence in Minneapolis, DHS alleged Hilton Hotels canceled room reservations for ICE officers operating in the city. The incident drew outrage from conservatives on social media.
The Hilton chain said it is investigating the matter at the independently owned hotel and has taken action to resolve it.
