Fed Agents In Twin Cities To Nearly Double Combined Minneapolis, St. Paul Police Forces

TWIN CITIES, MN — Federal immigration agents deployed to the Twin Cities as part of a major Homeland Security operation are expected to nearly double the combined police forces of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says roughly 2,000 federal agents and officers are being sent to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area as part of what it has described as its largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out by the agency.

By comparison, Minneapolis Police Department staffing levels stand around 600 sworn officers, while the St. Paul Police Department has approximately 550 sworn officers.

Homeland Security officials said the operation is focused in part on investigating alleged fraud, including human smuggling and unlawful employment practices, while deportation officers carry out immigration enforcement actions. Specialized tactical units are also expected to be involved.

Immigrant advocacy groups and local officials reported a spike Tuesday in sightings of federal agents across the Twin Cities, particularly in St. Paul. Reports included agents conducting traffic stops and being seen outside businesses and apartment buildings.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accompanied ICE officers during at least one arrest in St. Paul. The department said agents arrested 150 people in Minneapolis on Monday as part of enforcement actions.

Gov. Tim Walz criticized the federal surge, saying it amounted to an uncoordinated show of force.

Walz, who recently announced he would not seek a third term, said the operation was being carried out without meaningful coordination with state officials.

The Trump administration has repeatedly linked its immigration enforcement efforts in Minnesota to high-profile fraud cases involving federal nutrition and pandemic aid programs.

RELATED: Feds Claim ICE Agents Were Denied Rooms At Minnesota Hotel

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.