The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is intensifying its immigration enforcement efforts in Minneapolis, deploying a significant number of immigration agents in response to allegations of fraud within the Somali community. The decision follows a viral video claiming that Somali-operated daycares were improperly receiving federal subsidies despite having no children present.
To bolster its operations, DHS is sending 1,500 deportation officers from Enforcement and Removal Operations along with 600 agents from Homeland Security Investigations to the Twin Cities area. Some of these personnel started arriving over the weekend in a concerted effort aimed at tackling alleged immigration violations and rooting out fraud.
The controversy erupted when concerns were raised regarding daycare facilities receiving federal funds. In reaction, the Department of Health and Human Services moved to cut funding for certain daycares in Minnesota, imposing restrictions on federal subsidies for childcare services nationwide. In contrast, the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families verified that, after conducting compliance checks at 10 facilities, all but one were confirmed to be operational, with children in attendance.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced through social media that agents would begin visiting multiple businesses to investigate claims of fraud associated with the Somali community. One DHS official emphasized that while the additional agents would focus on identifying potential fraud, deportation officers would target individuals reportedly violating immigration laws.
There remains some uncertainty about the involvement of Border Patrol in these operations, although a DHS official indicated that Greg Bovino, an official with prior oversight of operations in cities like Chicago and New Orleans, might also be deployed to Minneapolis.
In a related incident, the Hilton hotel in Minneapolis faced backlash after canceling reservations for ICE agents upon discovering that their stay was linked to immigration enforcement. The independent hotel operator, Everpeak Hospitality, stated that their decision was not representative of Hilton’s values and that they are reviewing the situation to ensure proper accommodation for affected guests.
This surge in immigration enforcement reflects the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and community support systems, with ongoing investigations aimed at clarifying the claims of fraud while addressing the immigration status of individuals in the area.