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Federal Operations Lead to Arrests in Minnesota Amid Claims of Local Government Non-Cooperation and Officer Injury Incident

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DHS Conducts Enforcement Operations in Minnesota Amidst Local Non-Cooperation Claims

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have conducted multiple enforcement operations across Minnesota, leading to the arrests of numerous non-citizens with criminal histories. DHS officials stated these operations proceeded despite alleged non-cooperation from local authorities, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey, regarding requests for detainer enforcement. These efforts included an incident on January 14, 2025, in Minneapolis where a federal officer was injured during an attempted arrest, leading to the apprehension of three individuals.

Federal Enforcement Actions in Minnesota

DHS and ICE have undertaken a series of enforcement operations, including an initiative dubbed "Operation Metro Surge," in various Minnesota locations, most notably Minneapolis. These operations have primarily focused on non-citizens with criminal convictions or active warrants.

DHS reported over 1,000 arrests in Minnesota since these operations commenced, with more than 150 non-citizens apprehended in Minneapolis on a single recent day. Secretary Kristi Noem stated that DHS has arrested over 10,000 individuals identified as "criminal illegal aliens" nationally, with 3,000 of these arrests occurring in the six weeks prior to her statement.

DHS has reported over 1,000 arrests in Minnesota since these operations began, primarily targeting non-citizens with criminal convictions or active warrants.

Among those apprehended was Tomas Espin Tapia, a non-citizen from Ecuador, arrested in Minneapolis. Mr. Tapia was wanted for murder in Ecuador and faced an active warrant for sexual assault in Connecticut. Records indicate he entered the United States on October 23, 2022, and had previous convictions for robbery and extortion in Ecuador. An Immigration Judge issued a final order of removal against him on February 28, 2025, after he failed to appear for an immigration hearing.

Claims of Local Government Non-Cooperation

DHS officials have stated that their enforcement operations occurred despite alleged non-cooperation from certain Minnesota jurisdictions, which DHS identified as "sanctuary cities." Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin and Secretary Kristi Noem reported that Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey have reportedly declined to cooperate with ICE since 2017. DHS claimed this lack of cooperation has led to the release of approximately 470 non-citizens with criminal backgrounds in Minnesota.

DHS has publicly urged Governor Walz and Mayor Frey to honor ICE detainer requests for over 1,360 individuals with criminal histories currently in state custody. Assistant Secretary McLaughlin stated that Governor Walz and Mayor Frey have not permitted ICE law enforcement access to their jails.

Secretary Kristi Noem commented that Mayor Frey and Governor Walz are "encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement."

Officer Injury Incident in Minneapolis

On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement officers conducted a targeted traffic stop in Minneapolis involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a non-citizen from Venezuela who reportedly entered the U.S. in August 2022 and had a prior conviction for driving without a license.

During the attempted arrest, Mr. Sosa-Celis reportedly fled his vehicle after crashing into a parked car and then continued to flee on foot. An officer pursued Mr. Sosa-Celis, who then resisted apprehension. Two other individuals, identified as Alfredo Alejandro Ajorna and Gabriel Alejandro Hernandez-Ledezma, both from Venezuela, reportedly emerged from a nearby apartment and attacked the officer with a snow shovel and a broom handle. Mr. Sosa-Celis then joined the assault, striking the officer with a shovel or broom stick.

The officer discharged a firearm, hitting Mr. Sosa-Celis in the leg. All three individuals then entered the apartment and barricaded themselves inside before being arrested by ICE. Both the assaulted officer and Mr. Sosa-Celis received hospital treatment. All three individuals are currently in ICE custody. Mr. Ajorna had reportedly received a final order of removal after failing to appear for an immigration hearing.

Regarding the incident, Secretary Kristi Noem stated that it was an "attempted murder of federal law enforcement," adding that the officer was "ambushed and attacked" and "fired a defensive shot, fearing for his life."

Scope of Arrested Individuals

Individuals apprehended during these operations have included non-citizens with convictions or charges for a wide array of offenses. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Homicide
  • Sexual assault, including sodomy of a minor and lewd acts with a minor
  • Rape
  • Armed robbery, larceny, and extortion
  • Kidnapping
  • Assault, including aggravated and domestic assault, and terroristic threats
  • Drug manufacturing, sales, possession, and trafficking
  • Vehicle theft and fleeing police
  • Burglary, fraud, and identity theft
  • Arson and property damage
  • Driving under the influence (DUI)
  • Commercial sex offenses and illegal re-entry

Some individuals arrested were identified by DHS as gang members, and many were reportedly subject to existing final orders of removal.