Aliah’s Plea: Fear Persists After Immigration Operation Ends
"There is no other place to go. We are still afraid."
Summary
Aliah, a 20-year-old student from Afghanistan who was granted asylum in the United States, reports that her family remains in a state of ongoing fear, even after the conclusion of a major federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis.
Key Details
- Operation: "Metro Surge," launched in December 2024 as part of a federal crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The operation was tied to a fraud investigation within Minnesota's childcare industry.
- Timeline: The operation officially ended in February 2025, following a public backlash that erupted after the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens—Renee Good and Alex Pretti—by federal agents during protests in January 2025.
- Impact: Aliah, a green card holder, says her family still lives in fear of deportation. She stresses they would have no safe alternative destination if returned to Afghanistan.
Background
The operation was carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It drew intense public criticism after two protesters were shot and killed by federal agents. In response to the outrage, the administration withdrew hundreds of agents from the area in late February.