THE FOLLOW UP
Jan 30, 2026 · dhs.gov
Niche News

DHS says federal agents arrested multiple criminal noncitizens in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge

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Key takeaways

  • DHS reported arrests of multiple noncitizens in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge, citing convictions for offenses including sexual abuse of a minor, aggravated sexual assault, domestic assault, and possession of narcotics for sale.
  • Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called on Minnesota officials to permit federal access to local jails and to honor ICE arrest detainers for more than 1,360 noncitizens reportedly in custody.
  • The release names individuals apprehended, including Ger Vang (from Laos) — convicted of sexual abuse of a minor and larceny — and Flavio Rodrigo-Panza (from Ecuador) — convicted of aggravated sexual assault.
  • Other named arrestees include Vong Chai Xiong (Laos) convicted of third-degree criminal sexual assault; Luis Trejo-Miranda (Mexico) convicted of aggravated assault and driving under the influence; Ezequiel Juarez-Arizmendi (Mexico) convicted of domestic assault and driving while intoxicated; Antonio Onofre-Morales (convicted of possession of narcotics for sale); and Neri Ronaldo Castro (El Salvador) convicted of vehicle theft and driving under the influence.
  • The statement frames the operation as a public safety effort and emphasizes DHS law enforcement coordination and the use of ICE arrest detainers.

Follow Up Questions

What is Operation Metro Surge and which DHS component runs it?Expand

Operation Metro Surge is a large-scale, interior immigration enforcement deployment in Minnesota (launched Dec. 2025) aimed at arresting noncitizens DHS identifies as criminal offenders; it is led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), primarily its Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division, with other DHS components participating as needed.

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What does DHS mean by "ICE arrest detainers" and how are they used?Expand

An "ICE arrest detainer" (commonly Form I-247 historically) is a request from ICE to state/local jails asking they notify ICE and temporarily hold (usually up to 48 hours) a person suspected of being removable so ICE can assume custody for immigration processing; honoring detainers is voluntary for many jurisdictions and has been subject to legal and policy limits.

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What is Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and what role does it play in these arrests?Expand

Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) is the ICE component responsible for identifying, arresting, detaining and removing noncitizens who violate immigration laws; in operations like Metro Surge, ERO leads interior arrests and custody operations and coordinates with ICE HSI, CBP and local partners.

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How does DHS typically coordinate with Minnesota jails and local law enforcement to carry out arrests?Expand

DHS/ICE typically coordinates with Minnesota jails and local law enforcement via formal requests, local field offices and detention transfer procedures: ICE notifies jails (via detainers) and sends ERO officers or arrest teams to take custody when permitted; where jails refuse holds, ICE may conduct street arrests or seek judicial relief—coordination practices are governed by agency policy and local law/policies.

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Were the convictions referenced in the release all adjudicated in U.S. courts, and where can case records be found?Expand

The DHS release cites prior criminal convictions but does not list court dockets; most named convictions would have been adjudicated in U.S. state criminal courts—case records and judgments typically are public and can be found in the relevant county/state court online portals or PACER for federal cases; the DHS release itself does not link to court records.

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What legal definition does DHS use when it refers to someone as an "illegal alien"?Expand

DHS/ICE uses the term "illegal alien" in policy and public statements to mean a noncitizen present in the U.S. without legal authorization (i.e., removable under immigration law); the term is contested and many federal and state documents use alternative terms like "noncitizen" or "undocumented."

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