U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of several individuals in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge, a targeted enforcement effort aimed at apprehending criminal illegal aliens. The operation resulted in the detention of people described by ICE as some of the “worst of the worst,” including individuals convicted of sexual abuse, gang affiliation, drug trafficking, assault, and robbery.
According to Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, “This week, ICE launched Operation Metro Surge to target the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in the Minneapolis area. Just this week, ICE arrested pedophiles, gang members, drug traffickers, and violent thugs.” She further stated: “Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey protected these criminals at the expense of the safety of Americans. President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for criminal illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW. If you don’t, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you.”
Among those arrested were Abdi Gelle Mohamed from Somalia for sexual abuse of a minor; Sahal Osman Shidane from Somalia for fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a victim aged 13 to 15; Andriu Javier Padron-Chacare from Venezuela—a Tren de Aragua gang member—for theft; Job Catani Cardenas from Ecuador for domestic assault; Humberto Disla Sarita from the Dominican Republic for conspiracy to import at least 50 kilograms of cocaine; Ernesto Vides-Cabrera from Guatemala for driving under the influence and assault; and Mukhtar Mohamed Ali from Somalia for robbery and domestic assault.
The arrests occurred against a backdrop of ongoing debate over local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
