DHS says a recent surge of roughly 2,000 ICE and HSI agents in the Twin Cities has led to more than 1,000 arrests, targeting individuals described by the agency as convicted violent and sexual offenders. The 30-day operation, with oversight support from CBP Commander Gregory Bovino, follows revelations of multimillion-dollar fraud schemes in Minnesota and public attention from a viral investigative video. DHS released names and prior convictions for several detainees and said it aims to identify and remove noncitizens who have final orders of removal.
DHS Surge Leads To More Than 1,000 Arrests In Minnesota, Officials Say
Homeland Security investigators were part of a large fraud investigation on Monday in Minneapolis following the release of a video on alleged day care fraud.
Federal authorities say a surge of Department of Homeland Security personnel to the Twin Cities has resulted in more than 1,000 arrests, targeting individuals DHS describes as convicted criminals, including people with prior convictions for violent and sexual offenses.
The agency deployed roughly 2,000 agents and officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for a reported 30-day operation in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, officials told media outlets. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commander Gregory Bovino is reported to be assisting in oversight.
Left to right from top: Ban Du La Sein, Vannaleut Keomany, Sing Radsmikham, Liban Ali Osman, Tou Vang, Por Moua, Javier Bulmaro Turrubiartes, Somvang Phrachansiry, Angel Edwin Quiquintuna Capuz and Joel Cuautle-Ocelotl.
"We surged law enforcement to Minnesota," Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital, adding that the operation "has already made more than 1,000 arrests of murderers, rapists, pedophiles, and gang members." McLaughlin also said DHS would not discuss specific law enforcement footprints for officer safety.
DHS released names and case details for a number of those arrested. According to the agency, these include people previously convicted of serious crimes and who have final orders of removal:
Agents with the Department of Homeland Security in a Minneapolis store. The agency said it had launched an operation to identify, arrest and remove criminals who are suspected of fraud.
- Liban Ali Osman, 43 — Identified by DHS as a Somali national. Convicted of robbery in Columbus, Ohio; sentenced to three years; final order of removal since May 17, 2011.
- Vannaleut Keomany, 59 — Described by DHS as from Laos; convicted on two counts of rape in Columbus; sentenced to seven years; final order of removal since Dec. 17, 2009.
- Por Moua, 50 — Reported convictions in California for first-degree great bodily harm, sexual intercourse with a child and false imprisonment.
- Sing Radsmikham, 52 — Convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct (use of force or coercion) in Roseau County, Minnesota; final order of removal since 2004.
- Tou Vang, 42 — Convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a child under 13; final order of removal since 2006.
- Somvang Phrachansiry, 63 — Convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon; final order of removal since 2001.
- Javier Bulmaro Turrubiartes, 49 — Identified as a Mexican national; previously arrested for soliciting children electronically and convicted of hiring or agreeing to hire a minor for prostitution.
- Joel Cuautle-Ocelotl, 51 — Reported convictions include third-degree assault (New York) and driving while impaired (Minnesota).
- Ban Du La Sein, 47 — Reported conviction for third-degree criminal sexual conduct (use of force or coercion) in Nobles County, Minnesota.
- Angel Edwin Quiquintuna Capuz, 26 — Reported convictions and arrests include robbery (Columbus) and incidents involving driving while intoxicated, assaulting an officer and obstructing the legal process.
DHS said the operation was launched amid heightened scrutiny of Minnesota after investigators uncovered multimillion-dollar fraud schemes that led to dozens of indictments and arrests. The surge follows public attention from an independent journalist's video that questioned local daycare operators and highlighted broader concerns about fraud in the state.
Officials emphasized that the arrests are part of efforts to identify and remove noncitizens with criminal convictions and final orders of removal. DHS also stated it will continue to pursue cases connected to fraud and other criminal activity in the region.
What Remains Unclear
While DHS confirmed the scale of the surge and the number of arrests, it declined to provide detailed operational specifics, citing officer safety. Federal and local authorities have not released a full list of charges filed in the wake of the operation, and prosecutions or deportation proceedings may still be pending for many of those arrested.
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