Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s aggressive federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, known as Operation Metro Surge, which deployed thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents to the state and sparked widespread protests…

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration’s aggressive federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, known as Operation Metro Surge, which deployed thousands of ICE and Border Patrol agents to the state and sparked widespread protests… This surge led to hundreds of arrests and was followed by the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents, drawing fierce backlash from community leaders, civil rights activists, and state officials alike. Local leaders, including Gov. Tim Walz and Flanagan, accused the operation of causing trauma, fear, and disruption in immigrant and Minnesota communities, and demanded accountability and an end to the crackdown. In public statements and media appearances, Flanagan has framed the federal response as harmful overreach that inflicted lasting damage on Minnesota. She emphasized that the increased enforcement and the deaths of civilians have left deep scars and mobilized faith, labor, and community groups in resistance. In interviews and speeches circulating online, Flanagan has argued that the state’s progressive values and inclusive policies were misunderstood and targeted, and she pledged not to let the “world forget” the impact that the Trump administration’s tactics had on Minnesota families and neighborhoods. These remarks underscore her commitment to advocating for justice, defending civil liberties, and seeking reforms to federal immigration policy. The controversy over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota has become a broader flashpoint in national debates about border policy, civil rights, and the use of federal power. While the Trump administration has since announced a drawdown of the ICE surge in response to public outcry, state officials continue to call for deeper investigations and long‑term support for affected communities. Flanagan’s remarks reflect both local frustration and wider political tensions as Minnesota grapples with the aftermath of one of the most intense federal operations in recent memory.