Federal Crackdown Removes Violent Offenders From Minneapolis–St. Paul Streets: As Public Safety Takes Center Stage

Monday, December 8, 2025, 10:45 A.M. ET. 5 Minute Read, By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN.- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officially launched a major enforcement initiative in the Twin Cities on December 1, 2025, dubbed Operation Metro Surge, targeting what federal officials describe as “the worst of the worst” criminal noncitizens living unlawfully in the United States.

     In the first phase of the operation, at least 17 individuals with documented criminal histories have been apprehended across Minneapolis and Saint Paul, according to verified releases from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and multiple Minnesota media outlets.

     Federal authorities state the operation prioritizes individuals with convictions involving child sexual abuse, domestic violence, gang activity, drug trafficking, robbery, fraud, assault, and repeated DUI offenses. Officials say the goal is straightforward: remove proven threats to public safety while restoring confidence in immigration enforcement nationwide. The operation remains active with additional arrests expected.

Confirmed Arrests And Countries Of Origin;

     ICE and DHS have publicly identified 17 arrestees from the following seven countries:

• Mexico – 6
• Somalia – 6
• El Salvador – 1
• Venezuela – 1
• Ecuador – 1
• Dominican Republic – 1
• Guatemala – 1

     These figures reflect only those individuals whose identities and national origins have been formally disclosed by federal authorities.

First 12 Arrests Announced By DHS (Minneapolis);

     The initial wave of 12 arrests focused heavily on Minneapolis and involved individuals with significant criminal backgrounds. Federal officials emphasized that these cases represent precisely the category of offenders immigration enforcement is designed to target, those who pose a documented risk to the community:

• Abdulkadir Sharif Abdi (Somalia) — Fraud, theft, vehicle crimes, alleged gang ties
• Sahal Osman Shidane (Somalia) — Convicted of criminal sexual conduct involving a minor
• Mukthar Mohamed Ali (Somalia) — Robbery, assault, fraud, larceny
• Ahmed Mohamed Said (Somalia) — Domestic violence, DUI, assault
• Feisal Mohamed-Omar (Somalia) — Two domestic violence incidents
• Rudy Arendondo Jarillo (Mexico) — Felony alien smuggling conviction
• Alvaro Davila Alanis (Mexico) — Aggravated assault with a weapon
• Oscar David Ayala-Ocampo (Mexico) — Domestic violence
• Alberto Gallardo-Montiel (Mexico) — DUI conviction
• Ismael Bonilla Avalos (Mexico) — DUI and domestic violence
• Ismael Higuera Chupin (Mexico) — DUI
• Carlos Mark Boquin-Alfaro (El Salvador) — Domestic violence allegation

     Federal officials stated several of these individuals had previously been released despite ICE detainers due to local non-cooperation policies, a situation ICE leaders argue forced federal agents to conduct larger, more visible public safety operations.

Five Additional Arrests Confirmed By ICE;

     A second announcement brought the total to 17 individuals:

• Abdi Gelle Mohamed (Somalia) — Convicted of sexual abuse of a minor (1998)
• Andriu Javier Padron-Chacare (Venezuela) — Convicted thief, identified by ICE as a Tren de Aragua associate
• Job Catani Cardenas (Ecuador) — Convicted of gross misdemeanor harassment
• Humberto Disla Sarita (Dominican Republic) — Conspiracy to import 50+ kilograms of cocaine
• Ernesta Vides-Cabrera (Guatemala) — DUI and assault convictions

     Local court records confirmed that some convictions cited by ICE were prosecuted outside Minnesota.

Why The Federal Surge Is Happening Now;

     Operation Metro Surge is part of a broader nationwide reassertion of immigration enforcement priorities in late 2025, with a specific focus on jurisdictions operating under “sanctuary” policies that restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

     Minneapolis and Saint Paul both operate under separation ordinances that prohibit police from enforcing federal civil immigration law. Federal officials argue that those policies allow dangerous offenders to remain at large. City leaders maintain that the policies are essential for public trust and crime reporting.

     ICE has confirmed the Twin Cities operation includes additional federal agents, surveillance teams, and transport capacity for rapid removal of detainees, a deployment federal officials say is necessary when cooperation is limited.

Political Firestorm Surrounding The Operation;

     The operation unfolds amid escalating political tensions. President Donald Trump has recently made several controversial statements criticizing Minnesota’s Somali immigrant population, drawing condemnation from state Democrats and civil rights groups.

Republican lawmakers in Minnesota have largely backed the federal enforcement effort, arguing that immigration laws mean little if they are not enforced and that violent offenders should be removed regardless of politics. Democratic leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have accused the administration of fear-based politics that risks destabilizing families and discouraging cooperation with police.

Community Reaction And Legal Response;

     The enforcement surge has generated immediate responses:

• Legal aid groups have mobilized rapid-response immigration defense teams.
• Religious and community leaders have organized public protests.
• Volunteer observers now monitor public areas for ICE activity.
• Immigration attorneys report clients being transferred out of state.

     Civil rights groups argue that ICE’s “worst of the worst” description oversimplifies complex legal histories. Victims’ advocates counter that removing convicted offenders improves safety for both immigrants and U.S. citizens alike.

What Happens Next;

     ICE has not publicly released a target number of arrests or an expiration date for Operation Metro Surge. Federal officials confirm additional enforcement activity is ongoing in Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

     Englebrook Independent News will continue tracking court filings, DHS updates, and community impacts as the operation unfolds.

Editor’s Note:

This report is based exclusively on verified DHS and ICE releases, Minnesota court records, and cross-confirmed local reporting from FOX 9, KSTP-TV, the Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, and Associated Press wire coverage as of December 8, 2025. All criminal histories are reported as documented by federal or court sources. Total arrests currently stand at 17 confirmed individuals, as of Saturday evening. – Jennifer Hodges, Political Editor: Englebrook Independent News.