DHS chief says dozens of new ICE agents coming; larger federal surge now expected
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Twin Cities, held a press conference at Fort Snelling where she criticized Minnesota leaders, said the state will see "dozens" of new ICE agents as part of a national expansion and urged local cooperation while noting National Guard deployment is the President’s decision. Reporting indicates the White House is planning a larger 30‑day federal surge — roughly 1,500 additional ICE agents and 600 Homeland Security Investigations personnel to target people with deportation orders and alleged fraud tied to a viral video and a federal audit — prompting hundreds to protest at the event and planned counter‑demonstrations such as the "No Trump No Troops" rally.
📌 Key Facts
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Twin Cities and held a press conference at Fort Snelling, where she made public remarks criticizing Minnesota leaders and outlined immigration enforcement priorities.
- Noem said Minnesota will see “dozens” of new ICE agents as part of a national expansion (she referenced a congressional allocation for 10,000 ICE officers) and reiterated that any National Guard deployment is the President’s decision while urging state and city cooperation.
- The White House is expected to send about 1,500 additional ICE agents to the Twin Cities for a roughly 30‑day surge focused on people with deportation orders, plus about 600 Homeland Security Investigations agents targeting alleged fraud in the Somali community; Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino is expected to help lead the operation.
- Officials tied the surge to a viral Nick Shirley YouTube video alleging Somali‑run child‑care centers received subsidies with no children present and to a recent federal audit that found an estimated 11% of Minnesota child‑care assistance payments had flaws—potentially affecting $231.4 million across more than 1,150 providers.
- Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families conducted compliance checks at nine of the 10 facilities highlighted in the viral video, generally finding children present; one site had closed in 2022.
- Hundreds of protesters gathered at Fort Snelling during Noem’s press conference; organizers planned a 'No Trump No Troops' rally and march at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on Saturday at 1 p.m., and People’s Action Coalition Against Trump scheduled a Friday noon press conference.
- Local leaders responded ahead of and during the visit: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reaffirmed the city’s Separation Ordinance, and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued a statement regarding DHS’s presence.
📊 Relevant Data
The Somali population in Minnesota is estimated at 79,449, with 78.1% residing in the Twin Cities area.
Somali population - Cultural communities - Minnesota Compass — Minnesota Compass
37.5 percent of adult Somali immigrants in Minnesota live below the poverty line, compared to 9 percent for all adults in Minnesota.
Somali Immigrants in Minnesota — Center for Immigration Studies
Somali Minnesotans generate at least $500 million in income annually and pay about $67 million in state and local taxes.
FAQ: Economic Contributions of Somalis in Minnesota — Empowering Strategies
The billion-dollar pandemic-era social service billing fraud in Minnesota was perpetuated mainly by Somali immigrants.
How Misreading Somali Poverty Led Minnesota into Its Largest Welfare Scandal — American Enterprise Institute
Somalis began resettling in Minnesota in the early 1990s, with the majority arriving as refugees fleeing civil war, facilitated by voluntary agencies (VOLAGS).
Somali and Somali American Experiences in Minnesota — MNopedia
Immigration enforcement actions in Somali neighborhoods in Minnesota have led to families staying home, businesses seeing reduced activity, and increased fears and harassment within the community.
As ICE raids target Minnesota Somalis, community hubs fall silent — Sahan Journal
📰 Sources (6)
- Reports the White House is sending about 1,500 additional ICE agents to the Twin Cities for a 30‑day surge focused on people with deportation orders, plus 600 Homeland Security Investigations agents targeting fraud in the Somali community.
- Identifies the operation’s backstory as a response to a viral Nick Shirley YouTube video alleging Somali‑run child‑care centers were receiving subsidies with no children present.
- Adds that U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, experienced in prior immigration roundups, is expected to arrive in Minnesota to help lead the surge.
- Connects the surge to a recent federal audit that found deficiencies in Minnesota’s child‑care assistance program and estimated 11% of payments had flaws, potentially affecting $231.4 million in claims across more than 1,150 providers.
- Notes that Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth and Families has already conducted compliance checks at nine of the 10 facilities highlighted in the viral video, generally finding children present and one site closed in 2022.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said Minnesota will see 'dozens' of new ICE agents/federal officers as part of a national expansion (referencing a congressional allocation of 10,000 ICE officers).
- Noem reiterated that any National Guard deployment is the President’s decision while urging state and city cooperation with DHS.
- Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly reaffirmed the city’s Separation Ordinance ahead of Noem’s visit; St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter issued a statement regarding DHS’s presence.
- The protest at the Minnesota State Capitol is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday under the banner 'No Trump No Troops.'
- Confirms Kristi Noem made public remarks during her Twin Cities visit and directly criticized Minnesota leaders by name/policy.
- Adds specific themes of her criticism and policy focus beyond the prior notice of a visit and protests.
- Provides on-the-ground details from her appearance (timing/venue context and comments) from a metro outlet.
- The visit occurred at Fort Snelling, where DHS Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference.
- Hundreds of protesters gathered at Fort Snelling during the press conference.
- The protest coincided with the secretary’s remarks on immigration enforcement, escalating from previously planned demonstrations to an on‑site protest at the event location.
- People’s Action Coalition Against Trump will hold a Friday noon press conference responding to the reported visit.
- A 'No Trump No Troops' rally and march is set for Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul.
- FOX 9 reports DHS has not yet provided confirmation details of Secretary Noem’s visit and has been contacted for more information.