ICE in Minneapolis: Documenting "Operation Metro Surge"

I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and this page documents my coverage of the deployment of thousands of federal immigration agents — including officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and other Department of Homeland Security units — as part of what the administration described as “the largest immigration enforcement operation ever” in the Twin Cities.

This operation, which began in late December 2025 and intensified in January 2026, has drawn widespread local and national attention amid protests and confrontations.

On January 7, 2026, 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renée Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE agent on Portland Ave — a killing that sparked immediate large scale protests.

Less than three weeks later, on January 24, 2026, Alex Jeffrey Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and Minneapolis resident, was shot and killed by a U.S. Border Patrol agent on Nicollet Avenue.

Between those incidents, federal agents also injured another man in North Minneapolis.

A mom and daughter at the Alex Pretti Memorial on January 27, 2026. Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers on January 24th, 2026.
January 27, 2026 — A mom and daughter at the Alex Pretti Memorial on January 27, 2026. Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers on January 24th, 2026.
Drums to semi horns, protesters showed up outside a suburban Minneapolis hotel they believe federal officers including Greg Bovino are staying at. Outnumbered by the press at times, a few protesters were arrested after given dispersal orders.
January 26, 2026 — Drums to semi horns, protesters showed up outside a suburban Minneapolis hotel they believe federal officers including Greg Bovino are staying at. Outnumbered by the press at times, a few protesters were arrested after given dispersal orders.
Streamers with their bullet proof vests and self sticks flock to a suburban town for content. Shown here filming 1 person being arrested for not dispersing at a noise demonstration.Maple Grove, Minnesota January 26, 2026
January 26, 2026 — Streamers with their bullet proof vests and self sticks flock to a suburban town for content. Shown here filming 1 person being arrested for not dispersing at a noise demonstration. Maple Grove, Minnesota January 26, 2026
Drums to semi horns, protesters showed up outside a suburban Minneapolis hotel they believe federal officers including Greg Bovino are staying at. Outnumbered by the press at times, a few protesters were arrested after given dispersal orders.
January 26, 2026 — Drums to semi horns, protesters showed up outside a suburban Minneapolis hotel they believe federal officers including Greg Bovino are staying at. Outnumbered by the press at times, a few protesters were arrested after given dispersal orders.
Drums to semi horns, protesters showed up outside a suburban Minneapolis hotel they believe federal officers including Greg Bovino are staying at. Outnumbered by the press at times, a few protesters were arrested after given dispersal orders.
January 26, 2026 — Drums to semi horns, protesters showed up outside a suburban Minneapolis hotel they believe federal officers including Greg Bovino are staying at. Outnumbered by the press at times, a few protesters were arrested after given dispersal orders.
A sign up high on a utility pole that reads "ICE WE GET IT! YOU'RE DEFINITELY STRAIGHT".
January 26, 2026 — A sign up high on a utility pole that reads "ICE WE GET IT! YOU'RE DEFINITELY STRAIGHT".
Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
January 26, 2026 — Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
January 26, 2026 — Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
January 26, 2026 — Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
January 26, 2026 — Protesters held a “noise demonstration” outside the Home2 Suites Hilton in Minneapolis last night, a hotel it’s believed that ICE agents stay at. These demonstrations have been common in the last month at various hotels around the metro area. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety posted on X “While they collaboratively worked to encircle the group for arrests because the demonstration was not peaceful, federal agents arrived without communication and deployed chemical irritants, clearing the group. The State Patrol and DNR are no longer on scene.”
A banner on the fencing around the Whipple federal building in Minneapolis. The building is used as a ICE detention center and base during current operations in Minnesota. “Nina Blanca Holy DeathBring joy to me, restore our breathBless my fate, my people too,Keep all evil far from view.From the bloodthirsty pedophileand all his allies nearBreak ICE’s grip,dissolve their reign,Leave their badges ash and names”
January 26, 2026 — A banner on the fencing around the Whipple federal building in Minneapolis. The building is used as a ICE detention center and base during current operations in Minnesota. “Nina Blanca Holy Death Bring joy to me, restore our breath Bless my fate, my people too, Keep all evil far from view. From the bloodthirsty pedophile and all his allies near Break ICE’s grip, dissolve their reign, Leave their badges ash and names”
"A neighbor was taken here" "Abolish ice" stamp seen at Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue.
January 25, 2026 — "A neighbor was taken here" "Abolish ice" stamp seen at Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue.
The Minnesota National Guard and Minneapolis Police outside Franklin-Nicollet Liquor in the early morning hours of January 25, 2026.
January 24, 2026 — The Minnesota National Guard and Minneapolis Police outside Franklin-Nicollet Liquor in the early morning hours of January 25, 2026.
The Minnesota National Guard parks their vehicle in a bike lane in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The National Guard was deployed following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by ICE agents earlier in the day.
January 24, 2026 — The Minnesota National Guard parks their vehicle in a bike lane in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. The National Guard was deployed following the shooting death of Alex Pretti by ICE agents earlier in the day.
Street barricades on Nicollet Ave on the streets around a memorial for Alex Pretti. The memorial is located on Nicollet Avenue where he was shot and killed by ICE agents earlier in the day.
January 24, 2026 — Street barricades on Nicollet Ave on the streets around a memorial for Alex Pretti. The memorial is located on Nicollet Avenue where he was shot and killed by ICE agents earlier in the day.
A flyer reading "Ice murdered a man in Minneapolis this morning. Rest in power Alex Pretti".
January 24, 2026 — A flyer reading "Ice murdered a man in Minneapolis this morning. Rest in power Alex Pretti".
At the memorial of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers arlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026.
January 24, 2026 — At the memorial of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers arlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026.
At the memorial of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026.
January 24, 2026 — At the memorial of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026.
We Remember, In Honor Of Alex Pretti sign seen at his memorial in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day.
January 24, 2026 — We Remember, In Honor Of Alex Pretti sign seen at his memorial in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026. Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day.
A sign on the ground outside the Alex Pretti Memorial that reads: "Federal agents (ICE, DEA, ATF, or any other agent or agency) may not enter, park, or stage on this property. No trespassing. Violators will be prosecuted."
January 24, 2026 — A sign on the ground outside the Alex Pretti Memorial that reads: "Federal agents (ICE, DEA, ATF, or any other agent or agency) may not enter, park, or stage on this property. No trespassing. Violators will be prosecuted."
At the memorial of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026.Sign that reads:“WARNING SIGNS OF FASCISM”Powerful NationalismDisdain for Human RightsMilitarismControlled Mass MediaRampant CorruptionSuppression of OpponentsIdentification of EnemiesDisdain for Intellectuals
January 24, 2026 — At the memorial of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026. Sign that reads: “WARNING SIGNS OF FASCISM” Powerful Nationalism Disdain for Human Rights Militarism Controlled Mass Media Rampant Corruption Suppression of Opponents Identification of Enemies Disdain for Intellectuals
Blockaded roads near where Alex Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
January 24, 2026 — Blockaded roads near where Alex Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
Candles at Morrissey's Irish Pub on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis in memory of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day.
January 24, 2026 — Candles at Morrissey's Irish Pub on Lake Street in Uptown Minneapolis in memory of Alex Pretti who was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers earlier in the day.
Streets barricaded where Alex Pretti was killed earlier in the day by Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis.
January 24, 2026 — Streets barricaded where Alex Pretti was killed earlier in the day by Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis.
Tonight on Nicollet Avenue where Alex Pretti was killed by Border Patrol officers this morning. This is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — Tonight on Nicollet Avenue where Alex Pretti was killed by Border Patrol officers this morning. This is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
"Pretti Good People Are Getting Murdered!!" protest sign outside a memorial for Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent this morning in Minneapolis. This comes after Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier in the month.
January 24, 2026 — "Pretti Good People Are Getting Murdered!!" protest sign outside a memorial for Alex Pretti, who was shot and killed by an ICE agent this morning in Minneapolis. This comes after Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent earlier in the month.
WE BEAT EM BEFORE WE'LL BEAT EM AGAIN!!!
January 24, 2026 — WE BEAT EM BEFORE WE'LL BEAT EM AGAIN!!!
Tonight on Nicollet Avenue where Alex Pretti was killed by ICE agents this morning. This is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — Tonight on Nicollet Avenue where Alex Pretti was killed by ICE agents this morning. This is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
Tonight on Nicollet Avenue where Alex Pretti was killed by Border Patrol officers this morning. This is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — Tonight on Nicollet Avenue where Alex Pretti was killed by Border Patrol officers this morning. This is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
Street barricades on Nicollet Ave after the shooting death of Alex Pretti. He was shot to death earlier in the day by Border Patrol officers. He is the second person shot and killed by federal agents in the last month in Minneapolis.
January 24, 2026 — Street barricades on Nicollet Ave after the shooting death of Alex Pretti. He was shot to death earlier in the day by Border Patrol officers. He is the second person shot and killed by federal agents in the last month in Minneapolis.
Street barricades on Nicollet Avenue following the ICE agent killing of Alex Pretty in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
January 24, 2026 — Street barricades on Nicollet Avenue following the ICE agent killing of Alex Pretty in Minneapolis on January 24, 2026.
A memorial for Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month. Pretti was shot and killed on the morning of January 24, 2026.
January 24, 2026 — A memorial for Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month. Pretti was shot and killed on the morning of January 24, 2026.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
January 24, 2026 — ICE and Border Patrol agents on Nicollet Avenue on January 24, 2026. This follows the shooting death of Minneapolis resident Alex Pretti. Pretti is the second person killed and third person shot by federal agents in Minneapolis this month.
A windchill of around -30F didn’t stop what organizers say was 50,000 from marching through Minneapolis in one of, if not the largest, march in Minnesota history. Protesters demand accountability in the killing of Renee Good and removal of the federal agents that have upended daily life in MN.
January 23, 2026 — A windchill of around -30F didn’t stop what organizers say was 50,000 from marching through Minneapolis in one of, if not the largest, march in Minnesota history. Protesters demand accountability in the killing of Renee Good and removal of the federal agents that have upended daily life in MN.
A windchill of around -30F didn’t stop what organizers say was 50,000 from marching through Minneapolis in one of, if not the largest, march in Minnesota history. Protesters demand accountability in the killing of Renee Good and removal of the federal agents that have upended daily life in MN.
January 23, 2026 — A windchill of around -30F didn’t stop what organizers say was 50,000 from marching through Minneapolis in one of, if not the largest, march in Minnesota history. Protesters demand accountability in the killing of Renee Good and removal of the federal agents that have upended daily life in MN.
A windchill of around -30F didn’t stop what organizers say was 50,000 from marching through Minneapolis in one of, if not the largest, march in Minnesota history. Protesters demand accountability in the killing of Renee Good and removal of the federal agents that have upended daily life in MN.
January 23, 2026 — A windchill of around -30F didn’t stop what organizers say was 50,000 from marching through Minneapolis in one of, if not the largest, march in Minnesota history. Protesters demand accountability in the killing of Renee Good and removal of the federal agents that have upended daily life in MN.
Thousands march through downtown Minneapolis on January 23, 2026. Marching through -30F windchills, they are protesting the actions of federal agents that have been deployed to the city since December.
January 23, 2026 — Thousands march through downtown Minneapolis on January 23, 2026. Marching through -30F windchills, they are protesting the actions of federal agents that have been deployed to the city since December.
Thousands march through downtown Minneapolis on January 23, 2026. Marching through -30F windchills, they are protesting the actions of federal agents that have been deployed to the city since December.Vest that reads "Peaceful Observer Don't Shoot".
January 23, 2026 — Thousands march through downtown Minneapolis on January 23, 2026. Marching through -30F windchills, they are protesting the actions of federal agents that have been deployed to the city since December. Vest that reads "Peaceful Observer Don't Shoot".