MASSIVE Federal Army STORMS Minnesota – 2,000 Agents!

A tactical team in black gear preparing for an operation

President Trump has deployed up to 2,000 federal agents to Minnesota in an unprecedented immigration enforcement surge targeting fraud networks that have stolen billions from American taxpayers while exploiting vulnerable federal programs.

Story Highlights

2,000 ICE and HSI agents launched 30-day enforcement operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul area
Operation targets deportations and massive fraud schemes that cost taxpayers billions since 2021
Deployment builds on Operation Metro Surge that resulted in nearly 700 arrests by December
Federal crackdown coincides with $185 million freeze in Minnesota child care funds amid fraud concerns

Massive Federal Response to Minnesota Fraud Crisis

The Trump administration launched an unprecedented deployment of approximately 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, marking the largest immigration enforcement surge of 2026. The operation involves agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Special Response Teams, and U.S. Border Patrol under Commander Gregory Bovino’s leadership. This deployment equals Arizona’s entire HSI workforce, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to addressing what officials describe as a hotspot for transnational crime and welfare abuse.

The 30-day operation represents a significant escalation from Operation Metro Surge, which concluded in December 2025 with nearly 700 arrests focusing on immigrants with deportation orders. Federal officials report the current surge involves up to 600 HSI agents and 1,500 ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers rotating through the Twin Cities area. This coordinated effort targets both deportation cases and ongoing fraud investigations that have plagued Minnesota’s federally funded programs for years.

Billions Lost in Federal Program Fraud Schemes

Minnesota has emerged as ground zero for massive fraud in federal programs since 2021, with the Feeding Our Future scandal alone resulting in billions in losses and over 90 criminal charges. The fraud extends beyond nutrition aid to include schemes in housing, child care, and pandemic stabilization programs that exploited vulnerabilities in oversight systems. These criminal networks have systematically defrauded American taxpayers while legitimate families struggle to access vital services, representing a direct assault on fiscal responsibility and program integrity.

The Department of Homeland Security has frozen $185 million in Minnesota child care funds amid ongoing investigations into fraudulent operations. Recent federal inspections targeted dozens of Minneapolis sites following viral allegations of fraud at Somali-run child care centers, though state officials disputed these specific claims. This pattern of systematic abuse undermines public trust in social safety nets and demonstrates the urgent need for enhanced oversight and enforcement measures to protect taxpayer resources.

State Officials Resist Federal Enforcement Efforts

Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar have pushed back against federal enforcement actions, with Walz warning of potential harm to businesses and families during the crackdown. The Democratic officials defend existing state oversight measures, including audits, a fraud-prevention council, and a program-integrity director, arguing these steps address concerns without federal intervention. However, their resistance highlights the political tensions between state leadership and federal accountability efforts designed to recover stolen taxpayer funds.

The timing of this enforcement surge follows heightened political tensions after the 2024 election, where Walz served as the Democratic vice presidential nominee. His recent announcement that he will not seek a third term as governor coincides with the federal crackdown, suggesting the political pressure from these fraud scandals may have influenced his decision. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the operation focuses on “murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members,” reinforcing the administration’s commitment to public safety and law enforcement priorities.