The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the results of Operation Metro Surge, which targeted individuals described as the "worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens" in Minnesota. The operation resulted in the arrest of several people with prior convictions for crimes such as rape, armed robbery, and drug trafficking.
According to DHS, these arrests were made despite a lack of cooperation from local officials in sanctuary jurisdictions and opposition from groups critical of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Since 2017, Governor Tim Walz has not cooperated with ICE requests and has released nearly 470 individuals identified by federal authorities as criminal illegal aliens back into Minnesota communities. DHS called on both Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey to comply with ICE detainers for more than 1,360 individuals currently held in state custody.
“Governor Walz and Mayor Frey REFUSE to cooperate with ICE law enforcement and will not let us into their jails. They have released nearly 470 criminal illegal aliens including violent criminals back onto the streets of Minnesota. They have made it abundantly clear they are prioritizing politics over public safety. Minnesota's sanctuary politicians have chosen to side with criminal illegal aliens and ignored their American victims,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Just yesterday our law enforcement arrested rapists, armed robbers, and drug traffickers. We are doing what Governor Walz and Mayor Frey REFUSED to do—make Minnesota safe again.”
Among those arrested during Operation Metro Surge were:
- Jai Vang from Laos, convicted of armed robbery.
- Meng Khong Yang from Laos, who has twelve convictions including indecent exposure, manufacturing and selling methamphetamine, selling cocaine and other drugs, burglary, and fraud.
- Joshua Fornoh from Liberia, convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and providing false information to police.
- Rene Mercedes Hernandez from El Salvador, convicted of sexual assault and obstructing justice.
- Chia Yang from Laos, convicted on charges related to distributing methamphetamine as well as theft-related offenses.
- Irving Cadena Gonzalez from Mexico, convicted on multiple drug charges along with reckless driving.
DHS continues its efforts despite opposition at the local level.
