That was quick!
Federal immigration authorities under President Donald Trump have launched what officials describe as the largest immigration enforcement operation ever conducted in Minneapolis, according to Acting U.S. ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Speaking in a video released by the Department of Homeland Security, Lyons said the massive operation has already resulted in the arrest of multiple dangerous individuals, including suspects linked to violent crimes and sexual offenses.
“This is the largest immigration operation taking place anywhere in the country right now,” Lyons said. “It’s a coordinated, professional effort led by ICE to protect public safety.”
Federal Surge Targets Fraud and Violent Crime
Lyons explained that ICE, working under the leadership of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, has deployed additional federal agents to the region to focus on fraud investigations, workplace enforcement, and the removal of criminal illegal aliens.
The operation comes as Minnesota faces growing scrutiny over alleged large-scale welfare and benefits fraud, raising concerns among taxpayers about misuse of public assistance programs.
According to Lyons, both Enforcement and Removal Operations and Homeland Security Investigations are actively involved.
“Agents are on the ground,” he said. “They are conducting compliance checks and visiting businesses suspected of employing individuals who are not legally authorized to work in the United States. These investigations also include potential human trafficking, smuggling, and fraud-related activity.”
Sanctuary Policies Under Fire
Lyons openly criticized sanctuary-style policies, arguing they make enforcement more difficult and allow criminal activity to go undetected.
“These jurisdictions create an environment where individuals with serious criminal histories can hide in plain sight,” Lyons said. “That puts law-abiding citizens at risk and strains resources meant for American families.”
He credited Secretary Noem with overseeing what he called a “successful and aggressive” enforcement effort that led to the apprehension of suspects accused of violent crimes who had remained in the community for years.
DHS Releases Arrest Footage
DHS also released video footage showing federal agents arresting Tomas Espin Tapia, an Ecuadorian national in the country illegally. Authorities say he is wanted in connection with murder and sexual assault allegations and has a prior robbery conviction.
In a statement accompanying the video, DHS issued a strong warning to criminal offenders living unlawfully in the United States, emphasizing that enforcement efforts are expanding nationwide.
Welfare Programs and Border Enforcement
Lyons further stated that sanctuary protections can act as a draw for illegal immigration by offering access to taxpayer-funded benefits.
“When public assistance programs are exploited, it creates incentives for illegal migration and allows criminal elements to blend into communities,” he said. “That’s exactly what federal agents are now addressing in Minnesota.”
The Minneapolis operation reflects the Trump administration’s broader push to strengthen border security, enforce immigration law, and prioritize public safety—policies that remain central to the president’s agenda as enforcement efforts continue to ramp up nationwide.
