MINNEAPOLIS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concluded Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities on February 5, 2026, ending three months of enforcement actions that resulted in the arrests of thousands of undocumented immigrants. Two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot and killed by ICE agents during the operation.

The operation, conducted under the Trump administration, was described by Gregory Bovino as a "turn and burn" strategy. Bovino was forced to retire after Operation Metro Surge concluded.

During the three months of enforcement, ICE agents threatened journalists and activists who were documenting the arrests. Areas where day laborers had gathered, including a Home Depot lot and an empty lot on Lake Street in Minneapolis, emptied as the operation proceeded.

Community members in Minneapolis wore whistles around their necks to alert neighbors to the presence of federal immigration agents. Neighborhood volunteers drove migrants to work, took them to doctors' appointments, and brought food to people who were too afraid to leave their homes. Neighborhood watches that tracked ICE SUVs became less active after the operation ended, and arrests of immigrants in Minneapolis dropped by 12%.

An immigrant referred to as Y was arrested by ICE agents on January 13, 2026, while driving home from one of her jobs as a seamstress. She showed officers her work permit and documentation of a U visa application but was taken into custody and spent a month in multiple detention centers. Her 18-year-old daughter borrowed $7,500 to post bond.

After her release, Y was required to wear an ankle monitor at her home in Minneapolis and lost one of her two jobs. She incurred around $13,000 in debts related to legal fees, lost income, and travel costs. She has since started working again and is seeking additional jobs.

V, an Ecuadorian day laborer in Minneapolis, went into hiding and lost employment for weeks during the operation. He is now behind on his rent, his work has been slow, and his hourly wage has decreased.

R, a 49-year-old day laborer from Ecuador who cleans houses in the Twin Cities, previously earned between $20 and $25 per hour for cleaning offices and homes. Since the operation, he has experienced a decline in work opportunities and a decrease in hourly wages.