Archive · 18 Jan 2026
ICE Operations in Minneapolis Spark Fear, Protests, and Military Readiness
In Minneapolis, there are a lot of federal immigration agents making arrests.
This has scared many families, especially those with kids in school.
Parents and neighbors are now standing guard outside schools with whistles and walkie-talkies to watch for these agents.
Some schools have even canceled classes because families are too afraid to send their kids.
People are also helping by delivering food and raising money for families who are too scared to leave their homes.
A lot of people are upset and think the government is being too harsh.
Additionally, many Somali-owned businesses have seen a big drop in customers because people are afraid to go out.
Some businesses have even had to close temporarily because they aren't making enough money.
The government says they are arresting bad people, but others are protesting and the military is getting ready in case things get worse.
Federal immigration operations in Minneapolis-St. Paul have led to over 2,500 arrests, causing fear among immigrant communities, particularly the Somali community.
Parents and community members are patrolling schools and childcare centers to watch for ICE agents, and several school districts have canceled classes and switched to online learning due to the immigration operations.
Community efforts include delivering food, raising money, and providing support to affected families, with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and other officials expressing concern over the impact on children and families.
The economic impact of the crackdown is significant, with many Somali-owned businesses in Karmel Mall reporting a substantial loss in revenue and customers due to fear and uncertainty.
The Pentagon has ordered about 1,500 soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment due to ongoing protests against the government’s deportation program, and the DHS claims success in arresting criminals, including murderers and violent assailants.
- Who
- Federal agents, parents, school leaders, immigrant families, community members in Minneapolis-St. Paul, particularly the Somali community, Pentagon, DHS, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
- What
- Federal immigration operations leading to arrests and increased fear among immigrant communities, protests against deportation programs, potential military deployment, and DHS claiming success in arresting criminals
- When
- Ongoing, with recent events occurring in the past three weeks and military readiness announced recently
- Where
- Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area, particularly around schools, childcare centers, and Somali business hubs like Karmel Mall
- Why
- Increased ICE presence and arrests have created a climate of fear, leading to community efforts to protect and support immigrant families, protests against deportation programs, and economic downturn in immigrant-owned businesses
- Location
- Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area
- Number of Federal Agents Deployed
- About 3,000
- Operation Name
- Operation Metro Surge
- Number of Arrests
- More than 2,500
- Impact on Schools
- Cancelled classes, online learning, reduced attendance
- Community Response
- Parents patrolling schools, delivering food, raising money
- Key Figures
- Peter Brown, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, state Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, Nate Byrne, Abdi Wahid, Bashir Garad, Ibrahim Dahiye, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin
- Economic Impact
- Significant loss in business revenue, especially in Somali-owned businesses
- Military Readiness
- 1,500 troops on standby for potential deployment
- Arrested Individuals
- Including murderers, violent assailants, and one with 24 convictions
Sources
Whistles and walkie-talkies: Minneapolis keeps guard over schools amid ICE arrests
Chaos In Minneapolis: Anti-ICE Protesters Clash with ICE Supporters – WATCH
Somali businesses struggle during the Minneapolis ICE crackdown
Pentagon orders 1,500 soldiers to prepare for possible deployment in Minnesota amid unrest
Pentagon readies 1,500 soldiers to possibly deploy to Minnesota amid anti-ICE protests: Report
Pentagon readies 1,500 troops to possibly deploy to Minnesota, US media say
Trump vs Walz? Pentagon readies 1500 soldiers, DOJ opens criminal probe against Minnesota leaders
US to deploy 1,500 troops to Minnesota protest site if situation escalates: Reports
Trump says ‘ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals’ as he defends enforcement and slams Minnesota leaders
Pentagon readies 1,500 troops for potential Minnesota deployment, US officials say
'Worst of worst criminal illegal aliens arrested in Minnesota': US Homeland Security
