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Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Accuses DHS of Falsifying Immigration Enforcement Data
Minnesota Corrections Commissioner Paul Schnell has publicly challenged the Department of Homeland Security, accusing the agency of deliberately misrepresenting immigration enforcement statistics and fabricating details about recent arrests in the state.
During a press conference Thursday in St. Paul, Schnell presented evidence that he described as proof of “pure propaganda” being disseminated by top officials in Secretary Kristi Noem’s department.
“This is no longer a simple misunderstanding,” Schnell told reporters. “At best, DHS fundamentally misunderstands Minnesota’s correctional system. At a minimum, this reflects systemic data management inadequacies or incompetence. At worst, it is pure propaganda, numbers released without evidence to stoke fear rather than inform the public.”
The dispute centers around DHS claims about “Operation Metro Surge,” a Trump administration initiative targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. According to Schnell, Noem’s department has repeatedly mischaracterized both the scale of the problem and Minnesota’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
DHS has publicly claimed that Minnesota officials have released nearly 470 “criminal illegal aliens” and refused to honor ICE requests to turn over more than 1,360 people in state custody. Schnell firmly rejected these figures, providing evidence that the actual numbers are dramatically lower.
A survey of state facilities found approximately 94 people with ICE detainers in county jails and 207 in state prisons—about 300 in total, roughly 1,000 fewer than DHS has claimed. Minnesota corrections officials have labeled the federal figures “categorically false, unsupported by facts, and deeply irresponsible,” according to local reports.
Schnell also highlighted specific examples of misrepresentation. In one January 12 news release, DHS officials boasted that two men—identified as Meng Khong Yang and Joshua Fornoh—had been arrested “yesterday” as part of Operation Metro Surge. Schnell disputed this characterization, showing reporters security footage proving these individuals had actually been transferred directly from Minnesota prisons to ICE custody.
Even more concerning, according to Schnell, is that some people listed on DHS “worst of the worst” rosters were transferred to federal custody years ago—in some cases dating back to the 1990s—yet are being presented as recent arrests. Others, he said, were never in Minnesota prisons at all, having only brief stays in local jails or no criminal record in the state whatsoever.
The commissioner emphasized that state law requires prison officials to notify ICE when a noncitizen enters prison and to coordinate transfers upon release. Schnell insisted his department follows these protocols, stating they haven’t found “a single case” where Minnesota prisons failed to honor an ICE detainer when a noncitizen left state custody.
Operation Metro Surge has drawn increasing scrutiny beyond the statistical discrepancies. The ACLU of Minnesota and other civil rights organizations have filed lawsuits alleging constitutional violations, including “suspicionless stops, warrantless arrests, and racial profiling” by federal agents across the Twin Cities region.
The operation has also faced criticism following the January 7 fatal shooting of 37-year-old mother Renée Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, an incident that sparked protests and a separate lawsuit against DHS.
Despite mounting evidence contradicting their claims, DHS has maintained its position. When contacted for comment, a DHS spokesperson repeated the same figures Schnell had just demonstrated were inaccurate, while criticizing Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for “actively encouraging an organized resistance to ICE and federal law enforcement officers.”
Schnell emphasized that the misleading information appears to be coming from “higher levels” within Homeland Security and expressed concern that such messaging “undermines trust and disrespects the dedicated professionals who work every day to keep Minnesotans safe.”
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14 Comments
The dispute over immigration enforcement data is troubling, as it risks eroding public trust in government institutions. Both sides should strive for an objective, evidence-based resolution.
I agree. Restoring trust will require a commitment to factual accuracy and clear communication from all involved parties.
It’s concerning to see allegations of ‘pure propaganda’ being used to stoke fear rather than inform the public. Robust data management and clear communication from officials is critical.
Absolutely, the public deserves to have access to factual information, not misleading statistics, from their government representatives.
This dispute over immigration enforcement data highlights the need for transparency and accuracy from government agencies. Both sides should work to clarify the facts and address any discrepancies objectively.
Agreed, relying on reliable data is crucial for informed policy decisions on complex issues like immigration.
This dispute raises important questions about the integrity of government data and the need for independent verification, especially on high-stakes issues like immigration enforcement.
Agreed. Establishing clear, consistent data protocols and fostering cross-agency collaboration could help address these concerns.
The allegations of ‘pure propaganda’ are concerning and underscore the importance of maintaining impartial, evidence-based policymaking on sensitive issues like immigration enforcement.
Well said. Transparency and accountability should be the guiding principles for government agencies when it comes to data and statistics.
This clash between state and federal officials highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement and the need for rigorous data collection and reporting practices across all levels of government.
Absolutely. Reliable, consistent data is crucial for developing effective and equitable immigration policies.
This situation underscores the importance of government accountability and the need for independent verification of official claims, especially on sensitive topics like immigration enforcement.
Well said. Transparency and data integrity should be the foundation for any meaningful dialogue on these issues.