In a dramatic address to Congress, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued an urgent plea for sweeping reforms to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, spotlighting the devastating impact of Operation Metro Surge in his state. This unprecedented enforcement operation, the largest in U.S. history, has sparked widespread harm, including deaths, racial profiling, and constitutional violations, as Ellison demands immediate oversight and accountability to halt the chaos.
Ellison’s testimony before the committee painted a stark picture of Operation Metro Surge, deployed in Minnesota since early December, involving thousands of armed agents conducting aggressive raids. He called for a full, transparent accounting of all detentions and deportations, emphasizing the need to expose the operation’s true toll on communities. With Minnesota far from a hotspot for undocumented immigration, ranking only 28th nationally, Ellison argued the surge feels like targeted retribution rather than legitimate enforcement.
Beyond data, Ellison highlighted heartbreaking human costs, including the deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Prey, allegedly linked to excessive force by ICE agents. He urged the FBI to partner with Minnesota authorities for thorough investigations into these incidents, stressing that no one should die from what he described as unwarranted federal actions. The surge, he claimed, has disrupted lives, shuttered businesses, and instilled fear across the state.
Ellison didn’t mince words about the administration’s justifications, labeling them as pretexts. Claims of fighting fraud or violent crime rang hollow, he said, given that most detained individuals had no criminal records and that Minnesota’s own efforts against fraud were already robust. Instead of deploying experts, the government sent masked agents kicking in doors, a move that has overwhelmed local systems and driven experienced prosecutors from their posts.
The operation’s ripple effects are profound, Ellison warned, with children like 5-year-old Liam Kanejo Ramos and 10-year-old Elizabeth Zuna Kasaguano 𝒄𝒂𝓊𝓰𝒉𝓉 in the net, far from any definition of “the worst of the worst.“ Violent crime in Minneapolis was declining before the surge, yet two of the city’s recent homicides involved federal agents, underscoring how this crackdown is fueling instability rather than curbing it.
Ellison pointed to constitutional breaches under the 10th and 1st Amendments, accusing ICE of coercing states and stifling rights through warrantless searches and racial profiling. He praised the committee for holding this hearing, viewing it as a critical step toward rectifying these injustices. His message was clear: the federal government must respect state laws and stop overreaching in ways that erode social cohesion and economic prosperity.
In his remarks, Ellison recalled past efforts at comprehensive immigration reform, once led by figures like Senator Lankford, and urged lawmakers to revive them. He criticized the administration’s social media rhetoric, particularly a post from former President Trump promising “retribution“ against Minnesota, suggesting the surge is politically motivated vengeance for the state’s values and voting patterns.
The human toll extends to education, with tens of thousands of children facing disruptions as families live in fear of raids. Businesses are closing amid the uncertainty, hurting Minnesota’s economy and community fabric. Ellison’s call for ending the surge immediately resonated as a plea for restoring order and upholding American principles of justice and fairness.
As Ranking Member Peters and Chairman Paul listened, Ellison’s words carried the weight of a state under siege, demanding not just hearings but real action. He requested full access for attorneys, health care professionals, and clergy to detention facilities, ensuring transparency and humane treatment. This isn’t about politics, he insisted; it’s about protecting lives and rights.
Ellison’s testimony arrives at a pivotal moment for national immigration policy, with Operation Metro Surge drawing scrutiny from across the political spectrum. Critics argue it exemplifies overreach, while supporters defend it as necessary enforcement. Yet, the evidence Ellison presented—statistics, personal stories, and legal concerns—underscores the urgency for reform before more damage occurs.
In closing, Ellison’s final appeal was direct: end the surge now. It’s gone too far, he said, and continuing it risks further eroding trust in federal institutions. As Congress grapples with these revelations, the nation watches, hoping for swift intervention to address the flaws in ICE’s approach and prevent future abuses. This hearing could mark a turning point, forcing a reckoning with policies that have turned communities into battlegrounds.
The implications of Ellison’s remarks extend beyond Minnesota, challenging the broader framework of immigration enforcement in America. With calls for comprehensive reform echoing through the halls of power, the path forward demands courage and collaboration to balance security with humanity. As details emerge, the public demands answers, underscoring the need for immediate congressional action.