Minneapolis officials have updated their estimate for the cost of the city’s immigration enforcement operation to nearly $700 million.That number is up from the $203 million in costs that Minneapolis estimated from Operation Metro Surge in February. The latest data covered December 2025 through April 2026, whereas the initial report only covered January.Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, one of many city leaders who unveiled the new figure on Wednesday, said the economic damages greatly affected residents, businesses, and neighborhoods in which Immigration and Customs Enforcement had a heavy presence.
“This report documents some of the real hardships, the lost income, the food insecurity, and increased mental health needs, but it also documents something else,” Frey said. “It documents the strength of the community and how that community stood up for its neighbors.”
Operation Metro Surge ended in mid-February after White House border czar Tom Homan announced federal authorities would withdraw from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area in Minnesota. Since then, the Minneapolis government has been trying to recover from the negative economic impact of the ICE operation.
The city’s report reveals workers and businesses lost an estimated $607 million and lists the areas in which the city helped its community. About $63 million in rent assistance was provided, and another $9 million was allocated for food security assistance. Mental health support received $7 million, and youth wellbeing, safety, and education efforts got $2 million. Also, almost $10 million went toward city operations.
