# :ice_cube: ICE / Operation Metro Surge Information about ICE and Operation Metro Surge - a campaign to arrest the "worst of the worst" criminals in Minnesota. ## ICE Information about ICE and their activities. ### Facilities (detention centers) ==- :clock4: What are the conditions like inside an ICE facility? {#ice-facility-conditions} According to a [ProRepublica story](https://www.propublica.org/article/ice-dilley-children-letters), DHS claims the following are provided at the Dilley ICE facility: * Bedding * Clothing * Meals (3 per day) * Proper medical care * Soap * Showers * Toiletries Additionally, DHS claims *"children have access to teachers, classrooms, and curriculum booklets for math, reading, and spelling."* The ProRepublica article also features several letters (many with transcripts) from children who share their thoughts and feelings about the facility, including: !!!warning *"Since I got to this Center all you will feel is sadness and mostly depression."* - Ariana, 14 !!! !!!warning *"I don’t want to be in this place I want to go to my school"* - Mia, 7 !!! !!!warning *"I feel so much sadness and depression of not being able to leave, its really sad to hear that peoples cases are being denied and getting send back to their countrys."* - Gaby, 14 !!! !!!warning *"More than 60 days … going to the doctor and that the only thing they tell you is to drink more water and the worst thing is that it seems the water is what makes people sick here."* - Ender, 12 !!! !!!warning *"Me in dilei (Dilley) am not happy please get me out of here to colombia."* - Maria, 9 !!! These letters were eventually taken away from the children. [fubarpac](https://instagram.com/fubarpac) summarizes this awful Dilley situation with [this Instagram reel](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DU8e6-1EU8_/). ==- :speaking_head_in_silhouette: Are members of congress allowed to see these facilities? {#can-you-visit} In February of 2026, Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Angie Craig visited the Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul, which is a center for ICE detainees. It was the first time they were granted access. When they arrived, they found the building was completely empty of detainees - everyone had left about a half hour before the scheduled visit. See Omar and Craig's comments via [this reel from WCCO](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DU_1SEUAHVe/). ==- :ice_cube: Where is ICE building detention centers? {#ice-detention-centers} Subscribe to [Project Salt Box](https://projectsaltbox.substack.com/) for more information and updates. You can even check out an [interactive map](https://lookerstudio.google.com/reporting/b0228ccb-6fcf-4ab6-9d9b-41dd53292ec6/page/p_uy4yssvm0d/) to see warehouses ICE have purchased and are *interested* in purchasing. You can also see warehouse sales that have been cancelled (two in Minnesota!). Bloomberg has a piece from January, 2026 about [US buying "mega" warehouse detention centers](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-01-29/us-spends-hundreds-of-millions-on-warehouses-for-ice-detention-centers). === ### General information ==- :book: Is ICE truly just capturing the "worst of the worst" criminals? {#who-is-ice-targeting} There seems to be quite a bit of data indicating they are casting a pretty wide net as far as looking for people of interest, and the data does not seem to match up at all with information shared by the Minnesota DOC (Department of Corrections). For example, the Minnesota DOC published [this site](https://mn.gov/doc/about/news/combatting-dhs-misinformation) specifically to *"correct the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) repeated false claims regarding the Minnesota Department of Corrections' (DOC) cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)."* !!!ghost The Minnesota DOC [media fact sheet](https://mn.gov/doc/assets/ICE%20Presser%20Fact%20Sheet%20Jan%2022%202026_tcm1089-720763.pdf) offers this data: ![DHS claims 1,360 in ICE custody. MN has ~300 total in jails and prisons combined. |600](docfactsheet.png) !!! !!!contrast The Guardian sued the government for access to their data on the people they've been targeting, and then put out [this Instagram reel](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVbFd-4DWOI/) with some staggering statistics as to whether DHS was truly deporting the *"worst of the worst"*: * 77% of people targeted for deportation had *no* criminal convictions * Nearly *half* of those who *did* have a conviction were for nonviolent traffic and immigration offenses * 1% of convictions were for sexual assault * 400 (less than 1% of all convictions) were for homicide **Read the full article [here](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/22/us-immigration-trump-administration).** !!! !!!contrast The Star Tribune also [released a report](https://www.instagram.com/p/DVgyrQulViK) about this, stating: * ICE inflated the number of criminals they claimed to have taken off the streets during Operation Metro Surge * About half the people ICE took credit for detaining in Minnesota (featured on Trump's *"worst of the worst"* Web site) were already in federal, state or county custody - or had already been released * The largest group on the DHS "worst of the worst" Web site is federal prisoners, most of whom have no ties to Minnesota * More than 3/4 of the prisoners detained by ICE...committed crimes in other states and were in ICE custody before the surge started on December 1, 2025 !!! === ### Hiring process ==- :ballot_box_with_check: I assume the hiring process for ICE agents is careful and thorough, right? {#ice-hiring-process} **Former ICE instructor describes program as "defective and broken"** More details in [this Instagram reel](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVHdPgcgN_X/). **Slate reporter gets job with ICE** Regarding training/hiring practices, Slate reporter Laura Jedeed (who is a US army veteran and not a fan of the Trump administration) applied for a position with ICE. Laura took a drug test (which she likely should've failed), and ICE did *not* perform a background check. Shortly after she got a job offer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kGO6F_wHlc !!!ghost *"It seems like the focus is very much getting people out on the street with guns, and the focus of the people applying, apparently, is to get out on the street as quickly as possible to brutalize people."* !!! DHS denied that Laura was given an offer. Here's a follow-up spot on CBS News with Laura's response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-Ff2YgpLdo Speaking of screening DOD employees... !!!danger **Bloomington police arrests DOD employee who performs background checks for ICE (February, 2026)** Details in [this Instagram reel](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUl3tSBEjF1/) from February 10, 2026. !!! === ### Rights (if you encounter ICE) ==- :large_red_square: What are my rights as it relates to ICE activities? {#ice-rights} You do, though ICE seems to be operating completely outside the bounds of law or decency. A few resources that can help though: * [ICE Response Handbook](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V_5R5L_mTSyvrlMwzb0AqdsG4pBVy9eeT41KIhW_qdY/edit?tab=t.0) is an incredible document put together by [Chris Damian](https://substack.com/@chrisdamian?). * [Know Your Rights with ICE](https://ag.state.mn.us/Immigration)* is a portal from the Minnesota Attorney General, described as an *"...FAQ for informational purposes so that Minnesota organizations—like hospitals, shelters, and houses of worship—can continue to provide safe and welcoming environments for everyone they serve."* * The [ILRC (Immigrant Legal Resource Center)](https://www.ilrc.org/) has [red cards](https://www.ilrc.org/redcards) with information on how people can exercise their rights (but this info is not to be taken as legal advice). Here's a sample of what a red card looks like: -![Sample red card](redcard.png) ==- :ice_cube: Is ICE following the laws as it relates to interacting with observers and protesters? {#ice-does-what-it-wants} **No**. The [TrumpActionTracker](https://trumpactiontracker.info) does a good job of laying out some of ICE's activities. Particularly, if you tick the *Suppressing Dissent / Weaponizing State Against 'Enemies'*, and/or the *Weakening Civil Rights* category, you will see 632 (as of February 2, 2026) actions that fit this criteria, including: !!!ghost * Killing [Renee Nicole Good](https://fashlight.org/support/#renee-good) * Killing [Alex Pretti](https://fashlight.org/support/#alex-pretti) * Kidnapping a 5-year-old (Liam Conejo Ramos) * Multiple instances of intimidating, bullying, pepper-spraying, flashbang-ing, beating, kidnapping and deporting people regardless of citizenship. Even peaceful protesters/observers. [Mercado Media and Status Coup News](https://fashlight.org/news/) have multiple videos showing these exact behaviors from ICE. !!! === ## Operation Metro Surge ### General information ==- :rotating_light: What is Operation Metro Surge all about? {#operation-metro-surge} Here's an extremely high level timeline: !!!tip * **December 5, 2025**: Thousands of agents came to Minnesota in December, 2025 (as part of Operation Metro Surge) with the purpose of arresting the "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens - including pedophiles and domestic abusers *(source: [dhs.gov](https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/12/04/ice-arrests-worst-worst-criminal-illegal-aliens-during-operation-metro-surge))*. * **December 5 - present day**: Since the start of the operation (data gathered on January 31, 2026): * **30+ U.S. citizens / legal residents stopped, detained or assaulted** during everyday activities *(source: [mn-ice-witness.org](https://mn-ice-witness.org/list))* * **36+ observers harassed/arrested/killed** - for filming, observing or protesting ICE *(source: [mn-ice-witness.org](https://mn-ice-witness.org/list))* * **56+ community members detained** - non-criminal immigrants including business owners, workers and asylum seekers *(source: [mn-ice-witness.org](https://mn-ice-witness.org/list))* * **23+ school/hospital incidents** - at schools, hospitals and healthcare institutions *(source: [mn-ice-witness.org](https://mn-ice-witness.org/list))* * **2+ deaths** - Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti *(sources: [AP](https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-enforcement-shooting-crackdown-surge-173e00fa7388054e98c3b5b9417c1e5a) and [BBC](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62r4g590wqo))* * **January 14, 2026**: data analyzed showed that of the 212 convicted individuals on the Department of Homeland Security's Web site, only 10% are considered what DHS considers the "worst" criminals *(source: [FOX9](https://www.fox9.com/news/ice-minnesota-who-worst-worst-arrested-jan-2026))* * **February 12, 2026**: border czar Tom Homan announced an [end to Operation Metro Surge](https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-administration-news-02-12-26). * **February 19, 2026**: Many Minnesota-based rapid response groups claim there does **not** appear to be a reduction in ICE presence. * **February 20, 2026**: CNN [called out the DOJ](https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/19/politics/homeland-security-worst-immigrants-website) because its website showcasing the 'worst of the worst' immigrants was full of errors: *"A CNN review of the website found that thousands of the people listed on the website were described by the agency as being convicted of or arrested for serious charges — including sex crimes or different forms of homicide. But hundreds more who DHS considered the “worst of the worst” were described as being arrested for or convicted of far less serious crimes, including single charges of traffic offenses, marijuana possession or illegal reentry, a federal felony that involves someone reentering the United States after having been previously deported."* Note: DOJ called these discrepancies a "glitch." * **March 9, 2026**: The Wall Street Journal [conducted an investigation](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVq1Jgfj9OF/) about claims that ICE agents are under attack. The report concluded that assault charges against federal offers jumped 300% since Trump took office in 2025. Of the 279 people accused of attacking agents, 2/3 were U.S citizens, and half of that group were never charged at all. Of the people who *were* charged, *none* had been convicted. WSJ said that, in general, the video clips and evidence they reviewed undermined the government's claims. *"Our investigation was focused not just on what the government was doing, but on what they were saying. And when we looked more closely at each of those posts, the narrative that federal agents are under attack quickly fell apart."* * **March 11, 2026**: CNN [reviewed dozens of videos](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVtvkEuiPEq/) of immigration agents using less-lethal weapons like pepper spray and munitions launchers and found repeated policy violations. * **March 10, 2026**: Star Tribune reports that [federal agents lied about why they shot a Venezuelan man in Minneapolis](https://www.instagram.com/p/DVwc8-AlSSe/?img_index=1). *"Their story quickly fell apart."* * **March 12, 2026**: ICE is still [as active as ever in Minnesota](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVte80yAK59/), now aided by independent bounty hunters. !!! === ### Detailed timeline ==- :hourglass_flowing_sand: Detailed timeline of Operation Metro Surge events {#operation-metro-surge-timeline} These two sources to an excellent job of breaking Operation Metro surge down: +++ Ice Against Americans **[ICE Against Americans](https://iceagainstamericans.com/timelines/minnesota/)** This site offers a detailed timeline of "Operation Metro Surge" starting in December, 2025 and then continues through other key events, such as the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti: [![Sample screenshot of the events timeline on iceagainstamericans.com|600](/learning/ice/iceagainstamericans.jpg)](https://iceagainstamericans.com/timelines/minnesota/) +++ MN Ice Witness **[MN-ICE-Witness](https://mn-ice-witness.org/list)** This site contains a detailed, sourced list of ICE incidents in Minnesota: [![!Sample screenshot of the events timeline on iceagainstamericans.com](/learning/ice/mnicewitness.png)](https://iceagainstamericans.com/timelines/minnesota/) +++ === ==- :moneybag: How has Operation Metro Surge affected Minnesota's economy? {#operation-metro-surge-costs} [This Instagram reel](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUuWHWVEfDt/) from [KARE11](https://kare11.com) covers a [report](https://www.minneapolismn.gov/news/2026/february/oms-impact/) released by the city of Minneapolis. Critical points include: !!!danger * In January alone, Operation Metro Surge had a $203M impact on the city * Small businesses collectively lost more than $80M * Hotel cancellations exceeded $5M * $47M in lost wages from people afraid to go to work because of ICE (prompting the city to need more than $15.7M in rental assistance) * From January 7 - February 1, the city spent $6M in overtime and additional operating expenses, including $5M+ in police overtime (the allotted *total* budget for police overtime for 2026 was $2.3M). !!! ==- :female-doctor: What do I say to family/friends who are ok with ICE's activities? {#ice-and-mental-health} It might be time for you to start with a little social media connection cleanup. Here's a helpful graphic to get you started: ![Is human decency political? Not to us.|600](political.jpg) Also, if it feels uncomfortable to put some distance between some friends and family members, consider the [words of jouralist Stacey Patton](https://www.facebook.com/stacey.patton.9/posts/first-of-all-being-an-ally-is-not-about-being-on-the-right-side-of-history-thats/10162681494496094/), who offers a solid definition of what it means to be a true ally: ![How to be a true ally.|400](ally.jpg) === ### Funding ==- :page_facing_up: Is ICE adequately funded? {#funding} Yes. NPR has a [great article](https://www.npr.org/2026/01/21/nx-s1-5674887/ice-budget-funding-congress-trump) on ICE funding. Here's a snippet: !!!ghost *"Just 10 years ago, the annual budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, was less than $6 billion — notably smaller than other agencies within the Department of Homeland Security. But ICE's budget has skyrocketed during President Trump's second term, becoming the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency, with $85 billion now at its disposal."* !!! Efforts are being made to [stop ICE funding](https://indivisible.org/campaigns/halt-ice-terror/) (at least until the org is reformed) and stop them from terrorizing communities. ==- :moneybag: Does a job with ICE pay well? {#salary} According to [ZipRecruiter](https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Ice-Agent-Salary-in-Minneapolis,MN), ICE agents in Minnesota make ~$61k per year. Another thing that might be attractive for potential ICE applicants is the job postings sometimes promise a hefty $50k bonus. But [one keen Instagram post](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUI30wkDjq4/) points out that the bonus comes with some considerations: !!!ghost * The bonus is paid out at about $10k per year (roughly $6k after taxes). * There's a repayment clause for the bonus. You have to pay back the money in full if: * You quit * You're fired * ...literally any other reason decided by the administration !!! This means if you work for a few years and have received a bunch of bonus money, and then you quit or are fired, you'll have to pay that back at the pre-tax amount - with no bankruptcy claim option. Also keep in mind that after 2028, the administration might be in different hands. *Also* keep in mind that "ICE agent" might not look awesome on your resume for the future. ==- :moneybag: Speaking of money, I heard MN is paying protestors? {#paid-protestors} There's a detailed story covered by [PBS](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-trumps-claim-that-anti-ice-protesters-are-paid-agitators-and-insurrectionists) about how some social posts and AI-generated videos falsely claim protestors are being paid an hourly wage. ===