Protesters gather at a rally for immigrant and worker outside Signature Aviation near the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Tom Baker)
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (KFGO) – Officials with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security say a dozen people were arrested in immigration raids this week in the Twin Cities.
The undocumented immigrants detained are from Somalia, Mexico, and El Salvador. Court records show eight of them have criminal convictions for DUI, domestic violence, criminal sexual conduct, and assault.
“Operation Metro Surge” in Minnesota comes after President Trump criticized the state’s Somali community and said he didn’t want them in our country.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that ICE is protecting Minnesotans by arresting the “worst of the worst.”
Statewide, eight Minnesota counties currently partner with ICE under a 287(g) agreement; they include Cass, Crow Wing, Freeborn, Itasca, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Mille Lacs and Sherburne Counties.
Kandiyohi County Sheriff Eric Tollefson says they have been boarding prisoners for ICE for decades.
“It’s not a political issue for us. I mean, how we treat people in our care has not changed. We have compassionate staff who takes care of the people under their care, and this issue has become highly politicized. And of course, well, you see what it becomes. Nothing’s changed for us. My staff is still doing a fantastic job.”
The 287(g) agreement allows law enforcement to perform immigration-related duties, such as screening inmates, issuing detainers, and preparing charges, under ICE supervision.
Willmar Police Chief Mike Holme says they don’t perform any arrests for ICE.
“Generally, they would get told if they’re coming for you know, like if the US Marshals are coming to town and they’re gonna arrest somebody, it might be completely their thing. But we would have the presence of support. We have never had a large federal group come, and we haven’t been told anything.
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