DHS Deploys Hundreds More Federal Agents to Minneapolis, Says Kristi Noem
Federal officials have announced a significant increase in personnel in Minneapolis. Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that hundreds of additional federal agents are being deployed to the area. This deployment aligns with what has been described as the largest immigration operation in U.S. history.
Details of the Federal Deployment
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will augment existing federal law enforcement presence in Minneapolis starting Sunday and continuing into Monday. This strategic move aims to support local officers and ensure safety as they carry out their duties.
Operational Overview
- Over 2,400 federal agents are currently stationed in Minneapolis.
- This number exceeds the local police officer count by more than double.
- Operation Metro Surge commenced last month, resulting in over 1,000 arrests.
- Approximately 2,000 additional federal agents are being sent into the Twin Cities for a month-long operation.
Noem highlighted the need for these resources to combat what she termed the “abuse of government funds and power” amid the state’s ongoing fraud scandal. She assured that enforcement activities would continue despite recent incidents.
Recent Incident Sparks Controversy
The announcement follows a tragic event in Minneapolis where Renee Good was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer. The incident occurred on a Wednesday morning in South Minneapolis. Initial reports indicated that the officer acted in self-defense during an encounter with Good, who allegedly attempted to run over the agents with her vehicle.
Community Response and Protests
The shooting has led to widespread protests against ICE in both Minneapolis and across the country. Eyewitness accounts and video evidence have raised questions about the federal officials’ characterization of the incident. Local officials and community members dispute the account provided by federal agents.
Despite the ongoing protests, federal authorities maintain their commitment to immigration enforcement in the region. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino, the aim is to maintain effective Title 8 immigration enforcement without interruption.
As the situation develops, Minneapolis remains at the center of a significant national discussion regarding immigration enforcement and community safety.
