Biden administration steps up enforcement in Minnesota, despite claims of "de-escalation"
A surge in deportations and arrests in the Twin Cities has left a community on edge. Despite President Biden's repeated promises to slow down immigration enforcement efforts, the number of federal agents in Minnesota continues to grow.
The Intercept has learned that ICE has deployed 700 new officers since Trump administration official Tom Homan took over as head of Metro Surge, a massive U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement campaign targeting Minnesota's undocumented population. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both agencies, has called the incursion the largest immigration enforcement operation in history.
But commuters, who have been monitoring federal operations in the Twin Cities since early January, say things are getting worse by the day. "It's not de-escalation, it's escalation," said Kaegan Recher, a commuter who has been patrolling ICE's activities in Minneapolis. "They're using more tactics to catch people off guard."
Recher and others report that agents are increasingly using chemical agents and drawing their guns, even when there is no apparent threat. And the use of surveillance technology to track down observers - individuals monitoring federal operations for human rights organizations - has also increased.
The Biden administration's efforts have been dismissed by many as a thinly veiled attempt to revive the Trump-era crackdown on undocumented immigrants. "It's not about enforcing the law, it's about intimidating people," said Maria Rodriguez, an undocumented immigrant living in Minneapolis.
Commuters say they are doing their part to document and expose ICE's activities, despite the risks. The Intercept has observed several tense confrontations between commuters and agents, but so far, no major incidents have resulted in harm to either side.
However, as Homan's message continues to resonate with some, a disturbing trend is emerging: an uptick in abductions of observers. On Friday alone, three separate groups of legal observers reported being followed or harassed by federal agents before disappearing. In one case, the observer was even abducted and later found abandoned in an empty SUV.
These incidents have sparked widespread fear and anxiety among immigrant communities across Minnesota. Local schools have reverted to Covid-era online measures due to parental fears of attending classes in person, while businesses are struggling to stay afloat as customers shy away from shopping on Main Street.
"It's like living in a war zone," said Maria Rodriguez. "You can't even walk down the street without being targeted."
The Biden administration has promised to take action against ICE and Homan's tactics, but so far, no concrete steps have been taken. As the situation continues to escalate, one thing is clear: Minnesota's undocumented population remains trapped in a cycle of fear and intimidation.
"We're not just fighting for immigrants' rights; we're fighting for democracy itself," said Recher. "This is what happens when you give power to those who want to use it to silence the voices of the silenced."
The Intercept continues to cover this story as more information becomes available.
A surge in deportations and arrests in the Twin Cities has left a community on edge. Despite President Biden's repeated promises to slow down immigration enforcement efforts, the number of federal agents in Minnesota continues to grow.
The Intercept has learned that ICE has deployed 700 new officers since Trump administration official Tom Homan took over as head of Metro Surge, a massive U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement campaign targeting Minnesota's undocumented population. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees both agencies, has called the incursion the largest immigration enforcement operation in history.
But commuters, who have been monitoring federal operations in the Twin Cities since early January, say things are getting worse by the day. "It's not de-escalation, it's escalation," said Kaegan Recher, a commuter who has been patrolling ICE's activities in Minneapolis. "They're using more tactics to catch people off guard."
Recher and others report that agents are increasingly using chemical agents and drawing their guns, even when there is no apparent threat. And the use of surveillance technology to track down observers - individuals monitoring federal operations for human rights organizations - has also increased.
The Biden administration's efforts have been dismissed by many as a thinly veiled attempt to revive the Trump-era crackdown on undocumented immigrants. "It's not about enforcing the law, it's about intimidating people," said Maria Rodriguez, an undocumented immigrant living in Minneapolis.
Commuters say they are doing their part to document and expose ICE's activities, despite the risks. The Intercept has observed several tense confrontations between commuters and agents, but so far, no major incidents have resulted in harm to either side.
However, as Homan's message continues to resonate with some, a disturbing trend is emerging: an uptick in abductions of observers. On Friday alone, three separate groups of legal observers reported being followed or harassed by federal agents before disappearing. In one case, the observer was even abducted and later found abandoned in an empty SUV.
These incidents have sparked widespread fear and anxiety among immigrant communities across Minnesota. Local schools have reverted to Covid-era online measures due to parental fears of attending classes in person, while businesses are struggling to stay afloat as customers shy away from shopping on Main Street.
"It's like living in a war zone," said Maria Rodriguez. "You can't even walk down the street without being targeted."
The Biden administration has promised to take action against ICE and Homan's tactics, but so far, no concrete steps have been taken. As the situation continues to escalate, one thing is clear: Minnesota's undocumented population remains trapped in a cycle of fear and intimidation.
"We're not just fighting for immigrants' rights; we're fighting for democracy itself," said Recher. "This is what happens when you give power to those who want to use it to silence the voices of the silenced."
The Intercept continues to cover this story as more information becomes available.
You know, I've been thinking, if we're really about "de-escalation" here, why is ICE doubling down on tactics that are clearly escalating tensions? It's like the Biden admin is playing politics with people's lives 
. And what's up with all these new agents being deployed? Is this some kind of strategic move to intimidate communities and silence dissenting voices? 
I'm no expert, but it looks like we're seeing a lot of "law and order" rhetoric from the feds, without any real attempt at finding solutions or addressing systemic issues. Meanwhile, the people are getting hurt 
. Can't we have a nuanced discussion about immigration reform that doesn't involve using tactics that feel like something out of a sci-fi movie? 
I guess what I'm saying is: if you're really committed to "de-escalation," then show us some action on the ground, not just empty promises and increased enforcement 
.
I'm getting so frustrated with all these ICE agents patrolling around, making people feel trapped and afraid. It's not about enforcing laws, it's like they're just looking for an excuse to intimidate ppl. 
We need to speak out against this & stand up for our rights as a community! 
. If they really wanted to calm things down, they'd be cutting back on those new ICE agents and stopping all these aggressive tactics. But instead, we see more & more people being arrested or deported 
.
We need the Biden administration to actually do something to stop this madness and protect our communities. It's time to stand up against intimidation tactics and fight for democracy! 
they need to stop this ASAP and protect the rights of undocumented immigrants who deserve humanity and respect 
its not about enforcing the law, its about creating a culture of fear and intimidation...no thanks 
. And now, abductions of observers? That's a whole other level of crazy 
. We can't let fear and intimidation dictate our lives 
.
. We need to hold our leaders accountable and fight for the rights of immigrants who deserve respect and dignity 
700 new officers deployed since tom homan took over metro surge and now we got ppl getting abducted by federal agents 
otherwise imo the whole thing is just gonna escalate into chaos 
OMG u guys i just read about this crazy situation in Minnesota where ICE is deploying more agents and using super aggressive tactics like chemical agents and drawing guns even when theres no threat lol whats wrong with our gov 
whats next is america really living in a war zone now? 
This whole thing is super messed up 
. It's like they're playing a game of cat and mouse with people's lives 
. And don't even get me started on the surveillance tech 
, that's just creepy 
. These commuters are literally risking their safety to expose ICE's shady tactics 
. It's not just about deportations or arrests; it's about people feeling scared to live their lives 
. This is what happens when you give power to those who want to silence the voices of the marginalized 
.
I think people need to get involved more, like Recher is doing 
. And now, abductions of observers? That's just crazy 
. We need some serious changes in this department ASAP 
. The fact that local schools are reverting to Covid-era measures is a clear sign of the impact this is having on communities 
. I get it, we need to keep our country safe, but this isn't how you do it. These tactics are just going to drive more people underground and create a culture of fear.
That's not law enforcement, that's vigilantism. And the surveillance tech used to track observers is just straight-up creepy. These new tactics are scaring people half to death, especially the undocumented ones who already feel vulnerable. It's like the system is designed to trap them in a cycle of fear and intimidation. Not cool, dude. Not cool at all. 
. Like, we all thought Biden was gonna be all about de-escalation but NOPE! They're just playing dumb while secretly ramping up enforcement efforts. It's like, what's the point of even having a president if they ain't got no power to back it up? 
. We need more people like them who are willing to take a stand against injustice. This isn't just about immigration policy; this is about democracy and human rights 
The Biden administration's efforts to crack down on immigration enforcement in Minnesota are really freaking out the community 
.
. This is what happens when you give power to those who want to use it to silence the voices of the marginalized 
.
They're just trying to chill the vibe and keep people in line. Newsflash: it ain't working! 
700 new ICE agents? That's a lot of manpower for one region. And what's with all the chemical agents and guns being drawn?