On Tuesday, Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Todd Lyons, announced that the agency is executing the “largest immigration operation ever” in Minneapolis. This effort has already resulted in the capture of a suspected murderer and an individual accused of sexual offenses.

According to Lyons, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under Secretary Kristi Noem, has intensified its actions in Minneapolis. The focus is on combating fraud, arresting offenders, and deporting criminal illegal immigrants, all in response to the ongoing major welfare fraud scandal in the state.

“We’re currently conducting the largest immigration operation in history. It’s a significant initiative by ICE,” Lyons stated in a video interview shared by DHS on social media platform X.

The operation led to the arrest of Tomas Espin Tapia, an Ecuadorian national residing illegally in the U.S.

Lyons highlighted that both Enforcement and Removal Operations along with Homeland Security Investigations are spearheading these efforts.

“Our teams are actively on the ground, going from door-to-door among businesses suspected of not only employing illegal immigrants but also potentially engaging in human smuggling and trafficking, as well as being involved in fraud,” Lyons elaborated.

Lyons praised Noem for her leadership, which led to the capture of dangerous criminals. 

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and law enforcement arrest Tomas Espin Tapia in Minneapolis.  (DHS)

“[Noem] ran an awesome, successful operation. Got a suspected murderer and a wanted rapist that was hiding again in plain sight in Minneapolis,” Lyons said. “They’re up there in the fight to these sanctuary jurisdictions that allow these criminal, illegal aliens to roam the streets and take advantage of the public assistance that should be there for every taxpaying American.”

DHS also posted a video showing armed federal agents arresting Tomas Espin Tapia, an Ecuadorian illegal alien who they say is wanted for murder and sexual assault and has a conviction for robbery. 

“To the criminals living among us, you are NOT our neighbors. Leave now or we will find you,” DHS wrote.

Tomas Espin Tapia, an Ecuadorian illegal alien, was put in a car by DHS law enforcement.  (DHS)

Lyons also said the state’s sanctuary policies are a draw for illegal migrants.

“Sanctuary protections do attract other illegal aliens to come there to take advantage of welfare, public assistance, SNAP benefits,” Lyons said. “And that’s just a magnet that brings that criminal element that can hide in plain sight. And that’s what we’re finding up in Minnesota.”