Minneapolis, MN – January 29, 2026 – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of 16 individuals on charges of assaulting or impeding federal immigration agents during heated protests linked to Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale deportation initiative by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota’s Twin Cities area.
The arrests stem from ongoing demonstrations against the operation, which began in late 2025 and has resulted in the removal of thousands of individuals, primarily those with criminal records. Bondi, speaking at a press conference in Washington, D.C., emphasized the need to protect federal officers, stating, “Our agents are on the front lines enforcing the law, and any acts of violence against them will not be tolerated. These arrests send a clear message that impeding justice comes with consequences.”
Among those charged is Nasra Ahmed, a prominent activist who appeared at a separate press event with a visible facial bandage, recounting her alleged mistreatment during the protests. However, prosecutors noted that arrest photos show no such injury, and court documents accuse Ahmed and others of actions including spitting on agents, shoving vehicles, and resisting lawful orders. The group faces federal charges that could carry significant prison time if convicted.
Operation Metro Surge has ignited widespread controversy in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region, drawing crowds of protesters who argue the sweeps disproportionately target immigrant communities and lead to family separations. Supporters, including local law enforcement partners, maintain that the focus is on public safety by deporting convicted criminals.
The protests have escalated into violence on multiple occasions, culminating in two tragic fatalities involving U.S. citizens. On January 7, a mother of three was fatally shot during a chaotic standoff near an ICE processing center. More recently, on January 24, an ICU nurse lost her life in a similar confrontation. Complicating matters, newly surfaced videos appear to show the nurse provoking agents in the days leading up to the incident, including verbal taunts and attempts to block vehicles. These recordings have deepened the divide, with some viewing the shootings as excessive force and others as justified responses to threats.
Community leaders have called for an independent investigation into the deaths, while ICE officials defend their agents’ actions as necessary amid rising tensions. “We’re dealing with highly charged situations where our personnel are at risk,” an ICE spokesperson said in a statement. “The safety of everyone involved remains our priority.”
The arrests mark a significant escalation in the federal response to the unrest, as authorities seek to quell further disruptions. Protests continue sporadically, with organizers vowing to persist until the operation is halted. As of now, Operation Metro Surge shows no signs of slowing, with ICE reporting over 5,000 deportations in the region since its inception.
