DHS: ICE arrested several noncitizens in Minnesota operation, listing individuals and alleged offenses

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

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enforcement

Confirming DHS/ICE arrest records, local law enforcement booking records, or court filings that show the listed individuals were arrested during Operation Metro Surge and charged/convicted of the cited offenses.

Source summary

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota led to arrests of people it described as "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens, including individuals accused of fraud, theft, drug trafficking and prostitution. DHS criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for refusing to cooperate with ICE and said nearly 470 alleged criminal noncitizens were released from custody since the president took office, while more than 1,360 detainers remain in state custody. The release names several arrested individuals and quotes Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin calling for local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

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Latest fact check

The January 15, 2026 DHS press release on Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota explicitly states that ICE arrested several “criminal illegal aliens” in Minnesota neighborhoods as part of the operation. In that release, DHS names Khin Zaw Than, Juan Gonzalez-Escamilla, Juan Pablo Torres Cheme, Ying Li, and Fadhily Abubakari Mshihiri and describes them as convicted of or arrested for vehicle theft, obstructing police, possession of burglary tools, drug possession, DUI, fraud, impersonation, prostitution, and larceny. A prior DHS release from December 4, 2025 and official Minnesota government documents confirm Operation Metro Surge as an ICE enforcement surge in Minnesota. Verdict: True, because DHS’s own official press release directly makes the statement described, including the operation name, Minnesota location, ICE arrests, and the specified criminal charges and convictions for the named noncitizens.

Sources

Timeline

Update · Jan 16, 2026, 04:49 AMTrue
The January 15, 2026 DHS press release on Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota explicitly states that ICE arrested several “criminal illegal aliens” in Minnesota neighborhoods as part of the operation. In that release, DHS names Khin Zaw Than, Juan Gonzalez-Escamilla, Juan Pablo Torres Cheme, Ying Li, and Fadhily Abubakari Mshihiri and describes them as convicted of or arrested for vehicle theft, obstructing police, possession of burglary tools, drug possession, DUI, fraud, impersonation, prostitution, and larceny. A prior DHS release from December 4, 2025 and official Minnesota government documents confirm Operation Metro Surge as an ICE enforcement surge in Minnesota. Verdict: True, because DHS’s own official press release directly makes the statement described, including the operation name, Minnesota location, ICE arrests, and the specified criminal charges and convictions for the named noncitizens.
Original article · Jan 15, 2026
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