MINNEAPOLIS — Deportation agents arrested 12 men in its Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities. The number was released in Washington by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security along with false Trump propaganda that the state has been overrun by blood-thirsty immigrant gangs. Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended Operation Metro Surge as protecting Minnesotans by arresting the “worst of the worst.” McLaughlin failed to note, however, that the 12 ICE targets already were being prosecuted or were already convicted by state authorities and having done their time. Also: None were anywhere near being accused of murder and mayhem of the degree suggested by McLaughlin nor that President Trump has used as an excuse for rounding up 60,000-plus immigrants and others this year. Two of the 12 recent Minnesota detainees had been stopped for traffic violations. Even so McLaughlin’s news release meandered into overstated and inflammatory Trump assertions that Minnesota politicians allow criminals to “roam the streets.” McLaughlin also used her news release to claim repeat Trump claims that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have allowed sanctuary to deranged and menacing immigrant marauders. This McLaughin’s list:
Countries of origin
The 12 Operation Metro Surge detainees are from:
> Mexico: 6
> Somalia: 5
> El Salvador: 1
Unanswered question
Trump has demonized Somalis and wants all 70,000 of them in Minnesota deported to Somalia. His logic is flawed with an outlandish premise that all these Somalians are miscreants. Does he know better? If so, why is Trump so animated. Critics say he is blinded by white racism from his upbringing. Somalians are mostly deep black in complexion. Second: Trump has sought evidence to discredit, even demonize Governor Tim Walz for challenging Trump’s 2o24 presidential bid. For Trump it’s hardball grudge politics — civility and facts and truth be damned.
Abdulkadir Sharif Abdi: Convicted of fraud, receiving stolen property, receiving a stolen vehicle, vehicle theft and multiple probation violations.*
Mukthar Mohamed Ali. Convicted of assault, fraud, robbery, larceny.
Alvaro Davila Alanis. Charged aggravated assault with a weapon.
Ismael Bonilla Avalos. Convicted of driving under the influence; charged with domestic violence.
Oscar David Ayala-Ocampo. Charged with domestic violence.
Carlos Mark Boquin-Alfaro. Charged with domestic violence.
Higuera Chupin. Charged with driving under the influence.
Rudy Arendondo Jarillo. Convicted of felony smuggling aliens.
Alberto Gallardo-Montiel. Convicted for driving under the influence.
Ahmed Mohamed Said. Convicted of two domestic violence counts, three counts of driving under the influence, assault, damaging property, violating probation.
Feisal Mohamed-Omar. Charged with two counts of domestic violence.
Sahal Osman Shidane. Convicted of sexual conduct with a minor.
*McLaughlin listed Abdulkadir Sharif Abdi as a former member of the Gangster Disciples and a current member of Vice Lord Nation but offered no evidence.
Earlier: Minneapolis mayor on deportation raids: Not here