Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents surrounded a Chanhassen construction site in the Twin Cities on December 13, 2025, targeting two workers on a roof during subzero temperatures around 2 degrees below zero. Community members gathered, protesting as agents attempted to detain the men without showing warrants, leading to a nearly two-hour standoff. One worker descended after pressure; the second came down after agents departed at 12:45 p.m., with both receiving hospital treatment and reported stable.
Operation Metro Surge Details
The incident ties to Operation Metro Surge, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security initiative dispatching dozens of agents to the Twin Cities in recent weeks. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated agents arrested over 400 undocumented individuals since early December, focusing on those with serious criminal records like pedophiles and rapists. ICE confirmed Minnesota operations target “the worst of the worst,” criticizing local leaders for allowing such individuals to roam free.
Local Reactions and Tensions
Protesters clashed with agents, with one community member describing the scene as “scary” and unexpected, using construction machinery to aid descent. A Trump supporter at the site faced backlash from the crowd. Minneapolis council members, including Arian Chowdhury, accused ICE of racial profiling to intimidate and divide communities, calling targeted workers non-criminals building homes.
Broader Twin Cities Immigration Enforcement
This raid follows patterns like a St. Paul construction site arrest in October 2025, where ICE detained four roof workers, three with prior convictions, sparking fear among immigrants and advocates. Earlier November actions in St. Paul and increased national raids have heightened uncertainty in Minnesota’s construction sector, impacting all workers. DHS continues operations without further Chanhassen details released.
Twin Cities ICE raids signal intensified immigration enforcement under President Trump, blending construction site disruptions with community pushback. Ongoing Metro Surge prioritizes criminal removals amid local criticism.
Image Credit – nytimes.com
