Demand Congress end ICE operations in Minnesota
January 28, 2026 ─ For nearly two months, the Twin Cities metro area has been occupied by federal agents as a part of the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Metro Surge, costing taxpayers an estimated $18 million every week, according to North Star Policy Action.
While the federal government claims this initiative is targeting the “worst of the worst” criminals, many immigrants and refugees who have legal authorization to live and work in the U.S. and no criminal history are being detained. The largest immigration operation ever has amounted to a campaign of terror causing fear and panic among residents.
Federal agents have refused to cooperate with state officials in providing public data on who is being arrested and detained. Some detainees have been arrested and immediately transferred to out-of-state facilities, causing difficulties in contacting legal counsel and family members. Many detainees are often kept in overcrowded facilities with inhumane conditions, scarce or no medical care, and lack of access to attorneys.
Since January 9, the Department of Homeland Security has enforced Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening) in Minnesota. The operation alleges to reduce fraud by reexamining refugee cases through background checks and intensive verification of refugee claims.
All refugees have legal documentation allowing them to live and work in our country and face the most thorough and rigorous vetting and screening of anyone who travels to the U.S. Yet, reporting reveals refugees are being detained, including several Institute clients, despite their legal status.
The Institute is seeing and hearing from immigrants and refugees in our communities that they face racial profiling, intimidation, and violence from federal agents. Many are terrified to leave their homes, disrupting their daily routine and causing them to miss work, medical appointments, school, and more. As others in our communities have stepped up to protect their immigrant neighbors, they also face dangers and threats.
With over 3,000 agents in the Twin Cities since the beginning of December, federal immigration officers outnumber 10 metro area police departments’ sworn officers 3-to-1. This month, agents have killed two legal observers and wounded another.
All of this is having a devastating impact on Minnesota’s immigrant and refugee communities. If this continues, the ripple effects will extend to all of Minnesota’s workforce, local economies, and communities.
These operations are not about protecting our communities from criminal actors, they are about terrifying immigrants and refugees and doing harm to Minnesota.
Take Action
Contact your federal elected officials today and ask for the removal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota.
Find out how to reach your federal elected officials:
Sample Script:
“Hello. My name is [insert name], and as your constituent from [City/Town], I am asking you and your office to stand with immigrants and refugees by demanding the immediate end of Operations Metro Surge and PARRIS and the removal of federal agents from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) from Minnesota.
The occupation of federal agents in the Twin Cities metro area is not about protecting our communities from criminal actors, it is about terrifying our immigrant communities and doing harm to Minnesota.
Everyone in our communities—citizens, immigrants, and refugees alike—deserves dignity, safety, and constitutional protections.
Please, protect our communities by demanding ICE and CBP stop their campaign of terror and leave Minnesota.”
About the International Institute of Minnesota
For over half a century, the International Institute of Minnesota has successfully welcomed more than 26,000 refugees to our state. Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. The Institute’s comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and immigration and citizenship assistance. The Institute is recognized as Minnesota’s leading charitable organization dedicated to helping New Americans rebuild their lives while pursuing their personal and professional goals.
How to Help
Contributions to the International Institute of Minnesota help us fund and provide services during times of uncertainty. The Institute is grateful for the community’s support in standing with New Americans so they can find safety, stability and success. Our mission will remain possible because of the community’s generosity.