ICE removes 10 individuals with criminal histories from Minnesota during weekend operation

MINNEAPOLIS (Valley News Live) - Federal immigration agents conducted enforcement operations in Minnesota over the weekend, with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security releasing details Monday on 10 arrests made during Operation Metro Surge in the Minneapolis area.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted the operation, with DHS providing criminal histories for 10 individuals arrested who had previous charges or convictions including drug trafficking, assault, domestic violence, child abuse and weapons violations.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the operation continued despite what she described as interference from protesters and local officials.

“As rioters and sanctuary politicians demonized and attempted to obstruct our brave ICE law enforcement, our officers continued to remove the worst of the worst from Minnesota,” McLaughlin said in a statement. “Some of the worst of the worst removed from Minnesota over the weekend included child abusers, drug traffickers, domestic violence perpetrators, and armed assailants. We will not let rioters or sanctuary politicians slow us down from arresting and removing the worst of the worst from Minnesota neighborhoods.”

Among those whose details were released was Mohamud Farah Mohamed, a Somali national with multiple arrests for credit card fraud, drug possession and trafficking, according to DHS. The agency said he received a final removal order in 2022.

DHS said Saeb Sivixay from Laos had three convictions for selling amphetamines plus convictions for assault and contributing to a minor’s delinquency. He received a removal order in 2009, according to the agency.

Ignacio Gonzalez-De La Rosa from Mexico was arrested for child cruelty and battery and received a removal order in 2009, DHS said.

The agency said Ever Joel Lopez Del Cid had arrests for weapons charges, aggravated assault and obstructing justice.

Miguel Salvador-Reyes from Mexico was arrested for child cruelty, according to DHS.

Mario Yubany Fuentes-Sanchez from Honduras had arrests for terroristic threats and domestic violence, the agency said.

DHS said Tong Sphabmisay from Thailand was convicted of possessing 200 Ecstasy tablets and received a removal order in 2004.

Xay Xiong from Laos received a removal order in 2001 and was convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm, according to the agency.

Danny Yasmani Suares Munoz from Ecuador had multiple arrests for domestic violence and aggravated assault, DHS said. The agency said he entered the U.S. illegally in July 2023 and was released under the Biden administration.

Ansar Abdullahi Samatar from Somalia was arrested for drug-related charges, according to DHS.