The city of Minneapolis estimates that the federal immigration enforcement surge, known as Operation Metro Surge, cost the city, residents, and businesses $700 million from December 2025 to April 2026. This total includes dips in business revenue, lost wages for employees, and additional costs to the city budget, such as police overtime.

Impact on Local Economy

During the surge, fear of arrest, detention, and deportation spurred many illegal immigrants to stay home from work, resulting in significant economic losses. In response to the surge, the city created an emergency rental assistance program and a small business resiliency fund.

A report from North Star Policy Action found that Operation Metro Surge caused Minnesota’s hospitality and tourism sectors, which have large immigrant populations, to lose approximately 4,600 jobs and $71 million in lost wages during the first three months of the year. Leaders plan to release an updated impact assessment on the financial effects of Operation Metro Surge on Minneapolis.

Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.