Executive Summary
- White House Border Czar Tom Homan confirmed the end of the immigration enforcement operation "Operation Metro Surge" in Minnesota.
- Homeland Security Investigators (HSI) will remain in the state to continue probing an estimated $9 billion in Medicaid fraud.
- Experts indicate HSI involvement suggests the fraudulent funds may have been transferred internationally.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced on Thursday that "Operation Metro Surge" is drawing to a close in Minnesota, signaling the withdrawal of immigration enforcement agents from the state while federal personnel assigned to high-level fraud investigations remain in position.
According to Homan, the operational shift will see immigration agents depart over the coming week. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that the drawdown does not apply to agents tasked with uncovering financial crimes. A DHS spokesperson stated that Homeland Security Investigators (HSI) will remain "surged" to Minneapolis to continue a widescale investigation aimed at identifying and arresting individuals accused of "defrauding the American people on a massive scale."
The decision to maintain a federal investigative presence follows a December disclosure by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, which estimated that approximately $9 billion may have been defrauded from 14 state Medicaid programs dating back to 2018. At the time of the briefing, federal prosecutors indicated that roughly half of the $18 billion billed through these programs could be tied to fraudulent activity.
Dr. Steven MacMartin, a former Homeland Security investigator and current professor at Hilbert College, provided insight into the jurisdictional nuances of the probe. While Health and Human Services (HHS) typically handles domestic benefit fraud, MacMartin noted that HSI assumes jurisdiction when illicit funds are transferred across international borders. "When there is a border component to it, Homeland Security Investigations has the jurisdiction," MacMartin explained.
Local media outlet 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reported that inquiries made to the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding new filings or updates on the investigation received no immediate response at the time of publication.
Federal Investigative Strategy
The retention of Homeland Security Investigators despite the conclusion of the general immigration enforcement surge suggests a strategic prioritization of complex financial crimes with potential international links. By decoupling the fraud investigation from the broader immigration sweep, federal authorities appear to be focusing resources on the substantial fiscal liabilities identified within Minnesota’s public assistance programs. This targeted approach indicates that while the visible street-level enforcement of Operation Metro Surge is ending, the federal government remains committed to dismantling the networks responsible for the alleged misappropriation of billions in taxpayer funds.
It is important to note that all individuals and entities subject to investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
