The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday that it arrested what it described as the “worst of the worst” criminal illegal immigrants during a recent enforcement effort in Minnesota known as Operation Metro Surge. Among those taken into custody was an individual with 24 prior criminal convictions.
DHS sharply criticized state and local officials for what it says is a continued refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The agency contrasted its enforcement actions with the policies of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, whom DHS accused of failing to honor ICE detainers.
According to DHS, those policies have led to hundreds of criminal illegal immigrants being released back into Minnesota communities.
“As our law enforcement officers face increasing violence, they arrested murderers, drug traffickers, and an illegal immigrant with 24 criminal convictions in Minneapolis,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “These are the individuals Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey are protecting. No American wants these criminals as their neighbors.”
Operation Metro Surge is a targeted initiative focused on removing criminal illegal immigrants from Minnesota neighborhoods, DHS said. The operation prioritizes individuals with serious criminal records, including those convicted of violent offenses.
Among those arrested was Hien Quoc Thai, a Vietnamese national previously convicted of murder. DHS also identified Brian Anjain of the Marshall Islands, who has 24 criminal convictions, including assault causing bodily injury, domestic abuse, theft, public intoxication, trespassing, and interference with official acts.
Another arrest involved Eddy Xol-Lares of Venezuela, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine while aboard a vessel. DHS said additional arrests included criminal illegal immigrants from Guatemala, Cuba, Mexico, Honduras, South Africa, and Romania.
The agency reported that those taken into custody during the operation have criminal histories that include domestic violence, assault, fraud, identity theft, forgery, restraining order violations, property damage, and multiple drunk driving offenses. Some individuals also face prior charges related to kidnapping, armed robbery, gun possession, and narcotics trafficking.
DHS claims that since President Donald Trump took office, nearly 470 criminal illegal immigrants have been released back into Minnesota communities due to sanctuary-style policies. The department said it is urging Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey to cooperate with ICE by honoring detainers for more than 1,360 illegal immigrants currently in custody, including violent offenders, arguing that increased cooperation would enhance public safety.
Additional information about individuals arrested nationwide is available through DHS’s public database at wow.dhs.gov, which tracks enforcement actions involving serious criminal offenders.