Operation Metro Surge may have been announced as concluded, but its effects linger, especially in Minnesota. Federal immigration agents, under Tom Homan’s direction, claimed to withdraw from the state. Yet, reports indicate a shift rather than a stop.
In the Twin Cities, many say they’ve noticed fewer ICE agents on the streets. However, those living in the suburbs tell a different story. “It hasn’t changed at all; in fact, it seems worse,” said Alex Falconer, a state representative. Suburban residents report covert tactics, where ICE conducts operations less visibly but just as aggressively.
People like Brenna Zeimet from Columbia Heights feel the changes firsthand. “The announcement brought no relief. We still see convoys and arrests,” she shared. They’ve noticed ICE using unmarked vehicles and disguising their presence—a tactic to blend into neighborhoods. Avonna Starck of Fridley echoed similar concerns. “They operate in smaller groups now, making them harder to spot,” she said.
Mary, who lives in Eden Prairie, expressed fear for her community. “They’re always around. There hasn’t been a day without sightings since the announcement,” she noted. Their presence at bus stops and nearby schools has made families anxious. “It’s unsettling to see them watching,” she added.
Recent statistics show a continued rise in anxiety among immigrant communities. A survey by the American Civil Liberties Union found that 74% of immigrant families fear deportation. The tactics that ICE has adopted—like agents posing as municipal workers—only serve to deepen this fear.
Elected officials are also sounding the alarm. Erin Maye Quade, a state senator, conveyed that observers documenting these activities experienced intensified aggression from ICE. Reports of agents tailing them or showing up at their homes have risen sharply. Falconer reported unusual drone activity in the suburbs, which local authorities could not identify as part of any city operations.
Despite the supposed scaling back, the reality feels quite different for many residents. “It seems like Operation Metro Surge has morphed into something else,” said Lucy Rehm, a Democratic state representative. She noticed many changes in tactics but not in troop presence, pointing to the ongoing impact on local families and businesses trying to recover.
Community organizers worry about the long-term effects. “These operations are not over and will affect families for generations,” Maye Quade stated. She emphasized that while the conversation may be shifting towards recovery, the fear has not dissipated. Residents still feel trapped, unable to feel safe within their own neighborhoods.
In conclusion, while the curtain may have dropped on Operation Metro Surge, its legacy in the suburbs continues. The tactics may have changed, but the fear remains palpable—a reminder that efforts for reform must persist in the face of ongoing challenges.
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Chanhassen,ICE,Operation Metro Surge,U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
