Update: Operation Metro Surge drawdown, assistance for businesses, and legislative priorities

Dear Community,

 

Much has happened today regarding recent immigration enforcement operations.

 

First, this morning White House border czar Tom Homan announced an end to Operation Metro Surge and a “significant draw down” in the number of federal agents in Minnesota, saying that the administration has achieved “the successful result we have come here for” in Minnesota. A small number of agents will remain in the short term to oversee the end of operations.

 

Second, Governor Walz also announced this morning a proposal for $10 million in state assistance for small businesses that have been impacted by the federal surge. This proposal would be in the form of loans that are forgivable after two years and will need to be approved by the state legislature. With the next legislative session beginning next week on Tuesday, February 17, this will be a major proposal and priority for our communities.

 

At this time, it is unclear if Operation PARRIS, the other major federal operation in Minnesota, will continue even as Operation Metro Surge winds down. Operation PARRIS is a federal initiative that has required some members of our communities to submit to re-vetting interviews. In recent conversations with the state’s Resettlement Programs Office at the Department of Human Services, the Council has learned that community members who enter these interviews with an attorney present have received significantly more positive outcomes than those without an attorney. If you or someone you know will undergo a re-vetting interview soon, we highly encourage an attorney to be present.

 

Finally, as mentioned above, the 2026 legislative session is scheduled to begin next week on Tuesday, February 17. The second year of a biennium usually focuses on policy changes and a bonding bill over additional spending. State DFL leaders have announced their priorities this session, indicating that they will focus on issues stemming from the immigration enforcement surge, such as prohibiting federal agents from wearing masks or using unmarked cars and providing economic relief to small businesses, with affordability and gun violence prevention mentioned as other priorities. Meanwhile, GOP Speaker of the State House of Representatives Lisa Demuth identified fraud prevention and accountability in state programs and community safety and mental health supports, although she did not expect major changes given the need for bipartisan compromise in a tied House.

 

The Council understands that even with these developments, many will still feel deep concern and uncertainty about the safety of themselves and their families, their livelihood, and their sense of belonging in our state and nation. The Council will continue to communicate developments relevant to our communities in a timely, informative manner and to work together to achieve a better state for us all.

 

Sincerely,

Sia Her
Executive Director