(NewsNation) — Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it has arrested 13 members of some of the world’s most dangerous criminal gangs in Minneapolis, a so-called “sanctuary city” currently tense with protest.
At least 1,000 people in the country illegally have been arrested by ICE in the state since “Operation Metro Surge” began in November.
Some of the most recent arrests include immigrants who are alleged members of criminal gangs, including MS-13 — a designated terrorist organization — Paisas, Oriental Boys and more, NewsNation exclusively learned.
The baker’s dozen of criminals have extensive rap sheets that include homicide, sexual assault, and weapons crimes.
“We’re picking up the worst of the worst offenders, and as these cases come in, we’re finding that a significant number of the aliens we arrest — in addition to having serious criminal histories in the U.S. and abroad — are part of dangerous gangs that terrorize communities all over the nation,” ICE Director Todd Lyons said in a statement.
Total arrests by Department of Homeland Security law enforcement in the area hit 2,000 on Monday, up from 1,500 only days prior.
The influx of arrests comes as protests continue at Minneapolis’ newly fenced-in Henry Whipple Federal Building, where demonstrators and police have continually clashed in the week since an ICE officer fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good.
On Tuesday night, chaos erupted after federal officials accused one female protester of strobing vehicles, which is illegal.
Law enforcement surged out, deployed at least four flashbangs, took her into custody, and released her a short time later. Another protester was also taken into custody in the skirmish.
Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota have resigned over investigation priorities from the Justice Department — calls to investigate Macklin Good’s widow, but not the same calls for the officer who shot her — according to the New York Times.
Other state and local officials have also sued the Trump administration to stop another surge of federal immigration personnel, even though hundreds more are soon to join the 2,000 federal agents and officers already patrolling the streets.