Operation Metro Surge Concludes, Yet Fear Lingers Among Minnesota’s Immigrant Communities

The ICE raids are over but some – Even as the federal immigration enforcement operation known as Metro Surge officially ended months ago, its shadow continues to haunt Minnesota’s immigrant population. For many, the experience of sudden raids and the threat of deportation has left lasting emotional and economic scars. Aliah, a 20-year-old student who fled Afghanistan in 2021 and received asylum in the U.S., describes how her sense of security has been upended. “We’re still a little scared,” she told the BBC. Though she holds a green card, the fear of sudden raids persists, a sentiment shared by others who have chosen to keep their identities private due to safety concerns.

Residual Trauma and Economic Disruption

Aliah’s story reflects a broader pattern. The immigrant community in Minnesota reports ongoing anxiety, even as daily life appears to have resumed. Fatima, a 19-year-old Somali refugee who has since returned to in-person high school classes, still wrestles with the memory of the raids. “I ask myself every day… if they come back, what are you going to do?” she said. The psychological toll of the operation, she explained, is profound: “When you have an invasion like this, people continue to experience the ramifications of that for a long time.” Michelle Eberhard, director of refugee services at the International Institute of Minnesota, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that trauma is not confined to the days of active enforcement.

“People are still living through that trauma,” Eberhard said.

The operation, which began in December 2021 as part of President Donald Trump’s strategy to target undocumented immigrants, was initially framed as a response to a fraud investigation. Federal agents scrutinized Minnesota’s childcare sector, uncovering discrepancies that the administration linked to the state’s large Somali community. However, the campaign’s intensity escalated, leading to widespread raids across the Minneapolis area. During its peak, agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) patrolled streets, searched homes, and detained thousands. The abrupt nature of these actions disrupted lives, forcing families to question their safety and future.

A Catalyst for Public Outcry

The operation’s human cost became a turning point. In January 2022, two U.S. citizens—Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both 37—were fatally shot by federal agents while protesting during separate incidents. The deaths sparked outrage, drawing criticism from across political lines. By February, amid growing public and Republican backlash, the administration announced the withdrawal of hundreds of agents from the city, leaving only a “small force” for a brief period. Yet, the fear of renewed enforcement remains.

Katie, a Minneapolis teacher, recalled the chaos of the operation’s peak. “A protester was pinned to the ground by federal agents, and a chemical irritant was sprayed directly into his face,” she said. Despite the operation’s end, the memories linger. For Katie, the trauma is not just historical; it’s deeply personal. “Even when you forget about it, it just pops up again,” she added, referencing the memorials that now stand in the city, honoring those lost to the raids.

“The city is just this minefield of ghosts,” Katie said.

While schools have returned to a semblance of normalcy, the impact on students has been significant. Fatima, who was granted asylum, returned to in-person classes in April after months of remote learning. Yet, her fear hasn’t faded. “I’m scared still if they come back,” she said, highlighting the uncertainty that continues to define life for many in the community. For some, the operation’s effects have led to difficult choices. Katie noted that several students had to drop out of school to support their families, as relatives faced job losses during the raids.

Operation’s Legacy and Ongoing Presence

Despite the administration’s claims of success, the operation’s legacy is complex. Officials, including Border Czar Tom Homan, described Metro Surge as a necessary effort to remove “vicious criminals, including murderers, rapists, gang members, and terrorists” from the country. However, critics argue that the raids targeted vulnerable populations, creating a climate of fear. In a March lawsuit, the federal government acknowledged that 482 agents remained in Minnesota, according to the plaintiff, ACLU-MN. This number includes the 190 agents who had worked in the St. Paul office prior to the operation, the organization noted.

The presence of federal agents is still palpable, particularly in rural areas where the raids had a more pronounced impact. Morgan Budiandri, a community advocate, described the lingering sense of surveillance. “The city is no longer under siege, but the agents are still here,” she said. This persistence has kept the immigrant community on edge, with many wondering whether the next round of enforcement is just around the corner.

A Society in Transition

As the nation grapples with the long-term consequences of the operation, Minnesota’s immigrant population faces an uncertain path. For Aliah, the question is not just about safety, but about rebuilding trust in the system. “We don’t have anywhere to go if we go back to my country,” she said, underscoring the gravity of the situation for those who fled their home nations seeking refuge. The operation’s conclusion has not erased the fear that has taken root, nor has it resolved the economic and social challenges that followed.

Public spaces that once buzzed with activity now carry an undercurrent of tension. Memorials for Pretti and Good, who were killed during the operation, stand as reminders of the human cost. These symbols, however, do not ease the anxiety of those who fear the next raid. While the number of agents has decreased, their role in the community remains significant. The balance between enforcement and protection is delicate, and for now, the weight of the past continues to shape the present.

In the months since the operation’s end, the focus has shifted from immediate action to long-term consequences. Schools, businesses, and families have adapted to the new reality, but the psychological and economic impacts persist. For the immigrant community in Minnesota, the scars of Metro Surge are not easily healed. As they navigate a future filled with uncertainty, one thing remains clear: the fear of federal enforcement is not a thing of the past—it is a lingering presence, shaping lives and decisions in subtle, enduring ways.

Unfinished Business

Even as the administration asserts that the operation’s goals have been met, the debate over its effectiveness continues. Some argue that the raids were a necessary step to address immigration fraud, while others see them as an overreach that traumatized families. The legal battles over the operation’s conduct are ongoing, with advocates pushing for accountability and transparency. For the people of Minnesota, the question is not just about policy—it’s about survival, identity, and the right to call the United States home without fear.