As of early February 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that federal law enforcement has arrested
more than 4,000 individuals identified as criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota since the launch of "Operation Metro Surge".
Key details regarding these arrests include:
- Targeted Individuals: DHS reports that those arrested include individuals with convictions for violent crimes, such as murder, rape, sexual assault of minors, kidnapping, and domestic assault, as well as gang members.
- Operation Timeline: These arrests have occurred since the initiation of Operation Metro Surge, which began in late 2025.
- Broader Figures: Some federal officials have reported up to 10,000 total arrests of undocumented individuals in Minnesota since the start of the current administration's term in early 2025, although local reports note that specific, verified data on these figures is difficult to independently confirm.
- Detainers: DHS has stated they have over 1,360 active detainers for criminals in Minnesota jails and have criticized state, county, and city officials for not turning these individuals over to immigration authorities.
- Operation Focus: The operations specifically target "public safety threats," including individuals with prior criminal convictions or final orders of removal.
The figures are part of an intensified federal enforcement effort in Minnesota, with DHS officials calling for more cooperation from local authorities.