Story perspectives

Ellison Files Lawsuit Over $610 Million ICE Surge Costs

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a Minnesota lawsuit that cites $610 million in losses from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Operation Metro Surge.
The suit claims $243 million in lost wages, $189 million in Minneapolis and $54 million in St. Paul.
Overtime costs rose by over $6 million in Minneapolis and nearly $5 million in St. Paul after the surge.
A survey found the surge disrupted work, canceled conventions, and led 66 % of respondents to skip medical care.

History

Historical Context

In 1954, Operation Wetback, initiated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration, led to the deportation of over 1.1 million undocumented Mexican immigrants, employing military-style tactics. This operation faced backlash for its aggressive methods, disrupting communities. Today, similar tensions persist, as highlighted by Attorney General Keith Ellison's lawsuit regarding ICE's Operation Metro Surge, which resulted in $610 million in losses for local economies.

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Story summary

Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a Minnesota lawsuit that cites $610 million in losses from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Operation Metro Surge.
The suit claims $243 million in lost wages, $189 million in Minneapolis and $54 million in St. Paul.
Overtime costs rose by over $6 million in Minneapolis and nearly $5 million in St. Paul after the surge.
A survey found the surge disrupted work, canceled conventions, and led 66 % of respondents to skip medical care.

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