On February 12th, “Border Czar” Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota. This drawing back of forces is the result of the very public and visible refusal by the people of the Twin Cities to stand by while their neighbors were brutalized and kidnapped. But over two weeks later, has ICE actually left? Residents of suburbs around the Twin Cities have reported equal or even higher levels of ICE presence, just with sneakier methods. By moving out of areas with higher levels of organization in neighborhoods, operating in smaller groups and less obvious clothing, ICE is hoping to avoid high-profile clashes with protesters while continuing to carry out arrests of innocent people.
The presence of ICE is also still looming large for those who have been kidnapped and detained. Even those able to access legal aid and get released are not out of danger. Many of these people, upon their release, did not receive their identification and immigration status documents. ICE either retained or “lost” them, leaving already vulnerable immigrants in worse positions, as non-citizens are required by federal law to carry proof of their legal status with them, and forcing them to live in fear whenever they leave the house.
For Minnesotans and all of us around the country, this fight is far from over. The tactics of information in official statements conflicting with our real-world experiences and systematic terrorizing of marginalized people are deliberate attempts to keep people disorganized and unable to maintain our resistance. We won’t forget Minnesota! We must continue organizing to keep each other safe and build solidarity for future struggles.
