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DHS says it arrested several criminal noncitizens in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge

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Evidence from credible sources supports the statement as accurate. Learn more in Methodology.

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enforcement

DHS or law enforcement records, booking logs, or court filings confirm arrests occurred in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge and include the cited offense categories.

Source summary
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced arrests in Minnesota on Jan. 28, 2026 as part of Operation Metro Surge, identifying individuals it describes as "criminal illegal aliens" accused or convicted of crimes including sexual assault of a minor, domestic abuse, and assaults with a dangerous weapon. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called on Minnesota "sanctuary" officials to allow DHS access to local jails so federal officers can make arrests before releases. The release lists several named detainees, their alleged convictions, and countries of origin.
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Latest fact check

A DHS press release dated Jan. 29, 2026 explicitly states that during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota DHS law enforcement arrested individuals “including those convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, domestic abuse, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon,” and the release names arrestees with those convictions (e.g., Roberto De Leon‑Garcia — second‑degree criminal sexual conduct contact under 14; Thao Pao Xiong — domestic abuse; Philip Adjoko — second‑degree assault—dangerous weapon). The DHS "Arrested: Worst of the Worst" listing for Minnesota also documents named individuals and their convictions. Verdict: True — the DHS press release itself makes and documents the claim by naming specific arrestees and the cited convictions.

Sources

Timeline

  1. Update · Jan 30, 2026, 10:00 AMTrue
    A DHS press release dated Jan. 29, 2026 explicitly states that during Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota DHS law enforcement arrested individuals “including those convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, domestic abuse, and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon,” and the release names arrestees with those convictions (e.g., Roberto De Leon‑Garcia — second‑degree criminal sexual conduct contact under 14; Thao Pao Xiong — domestic abuse; Philip Adjoko — second‑degree assault—dangerous weapon). The DHS "Arrested: Worst of the Worst" listing for Minnesota also documents named individuals and their convictions. Verdict: True — the DHS press release itself makes and documents the claim by naming specific arrestees and the cited convictions.
  2. Original article · Jan 29, 2026
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