Six months after the conclusion of a significant immigration crackdown, some Minnesotans report a persistent sense of fear and describe ongoing, albeit more targeted, enforcement actions. The Trump administration had characterized the operations, known as Metro Surge, as a success aimed at removing individuals described as "vicious criminals, including murderers, rapists, gang members, and terrorists."
By mid-February, federal agents had largely departed the state, with only a small contingent remaining for a limited period. However, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) maintained a presence. A March lawsuit filed by the ACLU of Minnesota indicated that 482 federal agents were still operating within the state. Prior to Metro Surge, approximately 190 federal agents were assigned to ICE's St. Paul office.
Border Czar Tom Homan stated that ICE would continue to conduct "targeted immigration enforcement operations" as it had for decades. ICE has not disclosed specific details regarding its ongoing operations.
Despite the reduced overt presence in urban centers, the impact of federal agents is still felt, particularly in more rural communities, according to Morgan Budiandri of the MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC). Budiandri described the enforcement as having become more "surgical," with less visible activity in cities where public scrutiny is higher. "But out in the suburbs, we still have reports of officers coming to businesses demanding to see a manifesto of undocumented employees," Budiandri said.
The increased scrutiny and fear of deportation have led to community organizing and protests, with demonstrators demanding the abolition of ICE and highlighting the impact on immigrant families. 
Past enforcement actions have also resulted in documented use of force and loss of life. 
