Fact Check: Examining DHS’s Claims About “Worst of the Worst” Arrests in Minnesota

Immigration officials have released details on what they describe as the “worst of the worst” offenders arrested in Minnesota during a recent enforcement operation, with claims that have been largely verified through court records.

The Department of Homeland Security published information on five men detained as part of “Operation Metro Surge,” characterizing them as dangerous criminals including kidnappers, pedophiles, violent offenders, and fraud perpetrators. An independent verification of court records confirmed the accuracy of most claims regarding three of the individuals.

According to DHS, Ian Irungu, a Kenyan national, was convicted of selling heroin and dangerous drugs. Court records from Ramsey and Kanabec counties confirm drug convictions, though the specific substances mentioned in charging documents were fentanyl and marijuana, with allegations of heroin and fentanyl distribution. Irungu’s first documented interaction with Minnesota law enforcement occurred during a 2014 traffic stop.

Melvin Hernandez Espana, identified as a Honduran citizen, was reportedly convicted of assault in Ramsey County, which court records confirm. His initial contact with Minnesota authorities dates back to 2015 for driving without a license.

The third verified case involves Oliverio Francisco-Esteban, a Mexican national who, according to DHS, has been removed from the United States five times. Immigration officials also cited three DUI convictions and illegal entry charges against Francisco-Esteban, all of which were substantiated through court documents. However, allegations regarding fraudulent immigration documents could not be independently verified.

Court records for the remaining two individuals named by DHS could not be located in Minnesota or federal databases. This gap suggests their convictions may have occurred in other states, though this cannot be confirmed without additional information.

This enforcement action comes amid intensified national debate over immigration enforcement priorities. The Biden administration has publicly stated that ICE operations focus on individuals who pose threats to national security, public safety, and border security, rather than pursuing all undocumented immigrants.

Critics of such operations argue that the characterization of detainees as the “worst of the worst” can sometimes overstate criminal histories or conflate immigration violations with more serious offenses. Advocates for stronger enforcement, meanwhile, point to cases like these as evidence of the need for more aggressive deportation policies.

Operation Metro Surge represents part of a broader national enforcement strategy, with similar operations taking place in metropolitan areas across the country. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increasingly publicized these operations, releasing details about arrestees with criminal histories to demonstrate their focus on public safety threats.

The DHS maintains a publicly accessible database of individuals they categorize as the “worst of the worst,” including those arrested in Minnesota and nationwide. This transparency measure allows the public to view information about detainees, though the completeness and context of such information has been debated by immigration policy experts.

The full scope of Monday’s enforcement operation remains unclear, as authorities have not released names or details for additional individuals who may have been detained. Without this information, independent verification of criminal histories for other arrestees is not currently possible.

Local immigrant advocacy groups have called for greater transparency regarding enforcement operations, including clearer criteria for prioritizing certain individuals for detention and removal proceedings.