A sweeping operation, dubbed "Operation Metro Surge," has dramatically reshaped the landscape of Minneapolis and St. Paul, resulting in 400 arrests by the Department of Homeland Security. The operation unfolded amidst growing concerns regarding alleged fraud within the Twin Cities’ Somali community, igniting a firestorm of controversy and scrutiny.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz initially requested a review of the arrests from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, expressing worry that U.S. citizens were being mistakenly caught in the raids. DHS swiftly countered these claims, citing specific instances, including the arrest of an individual named “Sue” on charges of assaulting a federal officer – a case directly contradicting Walz’s concerns.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin delivered a stark assessment, asserting that Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey had failed to adequately protect Minnesota’s citizens. She characterized those arrested as dangerous individuals, alleging the presence of “monsters and child predators” among them.
The arrests encompassed individuals facing severe charges, including rape, pedophilia, and other violent crimes. Details emerged of Ban Du La Sein, a Burmese national previously convicted of criminal sexual conduct and subject to a removal order for over a decade, finally apprehended during the operation.
Vannaleut Keomany, a Laotian national with a seven-year prison sentence for rape in Ohio, was also taken into custody. Like Sein, Keomany had been under a longstanding order of removal since 2009, highlighting a pattern of delayed enforcement.
Liban Ali Osman, a Somali national convicted of robbery in Ohio, was among those apprehended, alongside Somvang Phrachansiry, a Laotian national with a prior conviction for criminal sexual conduct and assault. Phrachansiry had been on the removal list since the Bush administration, raising questions about the efficiency of existing systems.
The operation also targeted Por Moua, another Laotian national who served over a dozen years in prison for crimes including sexual assault and false imprisonment. Moua had a final order of removal dating back to the Clinton presidency, underscoring the long-term nature of these cases.
Governor Walz, when initially contacted for comment, remained silent. He had previously emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional rights and ensuring lawful conduct by federal agents, expressing concern over the detention of citizens engaged in legal activities.
Mayor Frey echoed these concerns, reporting incidents suggesting federal agents were engaged in “terrorizing people.” These accusations further fueled the escalating tension between local leadership and federal authorities.
The scope of the operation extended beyond Minnesota, with ICE announcing the arrest of eight Somali immigrants in San Angelo, Texas, as part of the broader sweep. This revealed a coordinated effort to address immigration-related concerns across multiple states.
