Local Cities React to Proclaimed End of Operation Metro Surge
Cities in the Twin Cities northwest metro are responding after White House border czar Tom Homan announced the end of Operation Metro Surge this week.
The operation started in early December and is described as the largest federal immigration crackdown in U.S. history.
Five cities in the northwest metro shared a joint statement sharing that the news is encouraging, but calling for restoration. The Cities for Safe and Stable Communities, which include Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Golden Valley, New Hope and Plymouth, put the statement out on Thursday.
“The end of this 10-week operation that has disrupted local communities marks a transition to a long recovery process. The surge has imposed tangible financial and social costs on municipalities. Beyond the direct strain on city budgets, the instability has disrupted schools, forced local business closures, and created widespread economic uncertainty,” the statement said, in part. “Our focus now shifts to economic recovery and restoring confidence in the government’s ability to provide long-term stability of the neighborhoods and workforce that help Minnesota’s economic engine thrive.”
The statement called for a unified response after the surge, as it assesses the total impact on cities.
Gov. Tim Walz said in a press release that he is introducing a $10 million bill for small businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge. The release said that it would be distributed in forgivable loans, ranging from $2,5000 to $25,000.
“Recovery will not happen overnight. Families, workers, and business owners are feeling the effects, and our responsibility is clear: we will help rebuild, stabilize these businesses, protect jobs, and ensure Minnesota’s economy can recover and thrive,” Walz said in the release.
The Cities for Safe and Stable Communities includes 17 members and continues to grow.
In the press conference announcing the end of Operation Metro Surge, Homan called it a “great success.”
He said a significant drawdown of agents already began this week and will continue into the next week.
Champlin Park High School students stage a walkout last month to protest Operation Metro Surge.
See also: FAIR School Crystal Students Protest ICE Actions With Song, ‘Chain of Love’
Brooklyn Center | Brooklyn Park | Golden Valley | New Hope | Plymouth
