Minneapolis and St. Paul Report $200 Million Operation Metro Surge Loss

Minneapolis and St. Paul officials reported significant economic damage following the conclusion of Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement initiative. Tom Homan, the White House Border Czar, announced the operation's end after federal agents made more than 4,000 arrests in the region. Homan cited a decrease in unlawful agitator activity and coordination with local law enforcement as reasons for concluding the surge.

Minneapolis officials estimated the total fiscal impact at at least $203.1 million. This figure includes $132.7 million in livelihood losses—comprising $81 million in small business revenue and $47 million in lost wages—and $15.7 million in rental assistance for 35,000 low-income households. The city also recorded a weekly expenditure of $2.4 million to combat food insecurity and provided mental health services for 8,713 children. Additionally, the city spent over $6 million in a single month on police overtime and payroll.

In St. Paul, Mayor Kaohly Her reported a monthly revenue loss of $3.4 million for local businesses. City officials characterized the operation as a source of chaos and fear that targeted immigrant-owned businesses. Rachel Sayre, Director of City of Minneapolis Emergency Management, noted that the current fiscal totals are likely undercounts and stated that the city requires significant funding assistance to meet urgent community needs.