Noem Drops Brutal Truth Bomb as ICE Operations Intensify
Noem Announces More Than 10,000 Illegal Aliens Arrested in Minneapolis During Expanded ICE Operations
Federal authorities in Minnesota have launched one of the largest immigration enforcement operations in recent memory, resulting in the arrest of more than 10,000 illegal aliens, including roughly 3,000 with criminal records, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday.
The initiative, focused on Minneapolis, is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to restore public safety in cities facing surges in crime linked to illegal immigration.
In a post on X, Noem highlighted the risks posed by criminal illegal aliens.
“PEACE AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN MINNEAPOLIS! We have arrested over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens who were killing Americans, hurting children and reigning terror in Minneapolis because Tim Walz and Jacob Frey refuse to protect their own people and instead protect criminals,” she wrote, noting that 3,000 arrests occurred in just the past six weeks.
The operation, called Operation Metro Surge, targets individuals with serious or violent criminal convictions.
DHS officials explained that the effort is aimed at removing dangerous individuals from communities, preventing further crime, and addressing long-standing public safety concerns in Minneapolis and surrounding areas.
The arrests come amid heightened tension in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a protester from out of state, who authorities say tried to run over an ICE officer during a law enforcement operation earlier this month.
Federal authorities say she interfered with agents and struck a vehicle, while Noem described the incident as “domestic terrorism.”
A separate encounter a week later involved a Venezuelan migrant being shot and injured by a federal officer, further intensifying local controversy, according to The Hill.
DHS officials are also investigating alleged fraud in federal benefits programs.
Noem claimed that at least $19 billion in fraud occurred in Minneapolis alone and said ongoing investigations aim to “get justice for the American people who have been robbed blind.”
The operation has mobilized an unprecedented federal presence, with reports of up to 2,000 agents deployed in the region.
According to the American Association of Retired Republicans (AARR), officials said the effort prioritizes the most dangerous offenders and seeks to remove those posing the greatest threat to public safety.
While tensions have arisen between federal officers and local authorities over jurisdiction and tactics, the administration maintains that the operation is essential to protect citizens.
Nationwide, the Trump administration’s enforcement has already led to an estimated 230,000 deportations of individuals arrested domestically, with an additional 270,000 removed at the border.
About 40,000 more have opted for “self-deportation,” highlighting the scale of the crackdown.
Some experts have questioned the accuracy of Noem’s arrest figures.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, said the numbers could be “highly inflated” and called for independent verification.
Federal authorities, however, remain confident that the initiative is reducing risk and making communities safer.
Operation Metro Surge reflects the administration’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal illegal immigration under President Trump.
Officials say the operation demonstrates that federal agencies are equipped and committed to enforcing immigration laws while safeguarding American citizens.
Noem concluded by emphasizing that Homeland Security investigators remain on the ground in Minneapolis, pursuing both criminal arrests and fraud investigations.
She framed the effort as crucial for justice and public protection, signaling a continued aggressive approach to immigration enforcement nationwide.
PEACE AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN MINNEAPOLIS! We have arrested over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens who were killing Americans, hurting children and reigning terror in Minneapolis because Tim Walz and Jacob Frey refuse to protect their own people and instead protect criminals. In the…
— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) January 19, 2026
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