U.S. immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota has slowed down following the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge, according to federal officials. U.S. Representative Angie Craig shared the update on Friday after she toured the Whipple Federal Building alongside fellow Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Craig that fewer than 500 immigration agents are currently stationed in Minnesota. While that number is lower than during the peak of Operation Metro Surge, it remains significantly higher than before the operation began. Earlier this month, Governor Tim Walz said Minnesota previously had about 150 Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The current number is still roughly three times that amount.
Craig and Omar visited the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis at midday on Friday. Under a new DHS policy, members of Congress must provide seven days’ notice before visiting immigration detention facilities. The lawmakers complied with that requirement before their tour.
However, both representatives said that by the time they arrived, all detainees had already been removed from the building. According to them, the last group of detainees was transported out about 30 minutes before their scheduled visit. Omar questioned the timing, saying it appeared unusually convenient that the facility was cleared just before lawmakers arrived to inspect it.
The requirement to schedule visits in advance has become a point of conflict between Democratic lawmakers and the Trump administration. Several Democrats have filed lawsuits challenging the policy. They argue that federal law gives members of Congress the authority to visit facilities holding people awaiting deportation without prior notice. Supporters of unannounced visits say they are important for ensuring transparency and accountability.
Despite the controversy over the timing, Craig described the detention area inside the Whipple building as clean and empty during their inspection. She noted that what they saw that day was very different from the situation Minnesota experienced at the height of Operation Metro Surge. During the operation, enforcement activity increased significantly, drawing attention and criticism from some community members and state leaders.
Craig said that immigration agents are now making about 20 arrests per day on average. Instead of holding detainees at the federal building for long periods, authorities are transferring them quickly to county jails. This marks a shift from earlier practices during the surge, when more people were reportedly held at the federal facility.
While Craig shared information provided by DHS officials, she also expressed caution. She said she takes what the agency says “with a grain of salt,” suggesting that she remains skeptical and wants continued oversight. One issue she highlighted involves the identification of federal agents. DHS officials told her that ICE agents are expected to provide their badge numbers if members of the public ask for them.
The issue of agent identification has drawn criticism in recent months. Some federal immigration officers have been wearing masks while conducting enforcement actions, which differs from how many other law enforcement agencies operate. Critics argue that visible identification helps build trust and ensures accountability. Supporters of masking policies say they can protect agents’ safety and privacy.
The end of Operation Metro Surge marks a transition period for immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Although the number of agents has decreased from surge levels, it remains higher than before the operation began. Lawmakers like Craig and Omar say they will continue monitoring federal activities in the state, especially regarding detention practices and transparency.
As debates continue over federal immigration policies and oversight powers, Minnesota remains one of several states where enforcement levels and procedures are under close public and political scrutiny.
