ICE arrested scores of violent criminal aliens in Minnesota, including child rapists and murderers, while media spotlights anti-ICE protests shielding these predators from justice.
Story Snapshot
- ICE targets “worst of the worst” noncitizens convicted of child rape, murder, sexual assault, and more in sanctuary city Minneapolis.
- DHS surges over 2,400 federal agents to counter riots and assaults on officers, up 1,300% amid 8,000% rise in death threats.
- Some arrestees evaded deportation for 30 years due to local non-cooperation, endangering communities.
- Trump administration overrides sanctuary policies, prioritizing American safety over political theatrics.
Mass Arrests of Dangerous Criminals in Minnesota
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested dozens of noncitizens convicted of heinous crimes in Minnesota during early January 2026. Offenses included child rape, murder, aggravated assault, child pornography, burglary, false imprisonment, and battery. ICE Director Todd M. Lyons released photos and details on Saturday, labeling them the “worst of the worst.” These individuals threatened public safety in Minneapolis, a self-declared sanctuary city resisting federal law. Operations persisted despite local opposition.
Federal Surge Counters Violent Protests
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem deployed hundreds more agents over the weekend, totaling over 2,400 in Minneapolis. This reinforced ICE amid riots obstructing arrests. Protesters interfered, effectively protecting criminals, as ICE stated. Assaults on agents surged 1,300%, with death threats rising 8,000%. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised officers risking lives despite dangers. Lyons affirmed: “ICE is going to continue to arrest the worst of the worst… Some have had final orders of removal for 30 years.”
Sanctuary Policies Enabled Decades of Danger
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey directed ICE to “get the f*** out,” exemplifying local resistance fueling sanctuary status. Arrestees lingered free for up to 30 years post-deportation orders due to non-cooperation. This allowed continued victimization, undermining community safety. Federal authority now overrides such policies, fulfilling long-ignored mandates. Similar national arrests, like Denis Pop-Cuz for child pornography in Virginia and Josue Roa-Bahena for assault in Texas, highlight broader enforcement.
Historical tensions in Minnesota stem from sanctuary declarations clashing with Trump administration priorities targeting criminal noncitizens. Prior surges in New York, California faced identical pushback from Democrats demonizing agents.
Impacts on Safety and Sovereignty
Removals reduce recidivism risks, safeguarding Minnesota families from predators. Short-term tensions rise with protests, but long-term precedents challenge sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. Neighborhoods gain security as violent felons exit. Political debates intensify, affirming federal supremacy over local obstruction. Resource demands for 2,400 agents underscore commitment to protecting citizens over illegal aliens. ICE operations demonstrate vital work restoring order.
Expert views from Lyons, Noem, and McLaughlin emphasize preventing crime through enforcement. Critics imply overreach via protests, but facts show neglected deportations terrorized communities. This aligns with conservative principles of law, borders, and prioritizing Americans.
Sources:
ICE makes dozens of arrests of illegal migrants convicted of rape, murder in Minnesota (KATV)
