Vance Praises MnDOC’s ICE Cooperation

West,Pittston,,Pennsylvania,,United,States,,July,16,2025:,Vice,President

Vice President JD Vance praises Minnesota’s prisons for aiding ICE deportations of criminal illegals.

Story Highlights

VP Vance highlights MnDOC cooperation in notifying ICE of undocumented criminal releases, unlike non-compliant counties.
ICE’s Operation Metro Surge deploys 3,000+ agents in Minneapolis targeting criminal illegals amid protests.
MnDOC Commissioner Paul Schnell confirms routine coordination weeks ahead of releases.
Vance blames local Democrat resistance for protests and risks to federal agents enforcing the law.

ICE Surge Targets Criminal Illegals in Minneapolis

ICE launched Operation Metro Surge in early January 2026, deploying over 3,000 agents to Minneapolis. Federal teams focus on arresting undocumented criminals amid high-profile incidents like crimes by illegals and an officer-involved shooting defended by Vance. Protests erupted, with demonstrators blocking operations and occupying churches. A federal court paused restrictions on agent force against protesters. This surge follows Trump administration priorities to remove criminal illegals from sanctuary-leaning areas.

Vance Acknowledges MnDOC Cooperation

On January 22, 2026, Vice President JD Vance held a press conference in Minneapolis after a roundtable with ICE, business leaders, and law enforcement. Vance explicitly praised the Minnesota Department of Corrections for cooperating with ICE by notifying them weeks before releasing undocumented criminals. MnDOC Commissioner Paul Schnell confirmed routine arrangements for custody transfers. ICE officials Greg Bovino and Marcos Charles noted this distinction earlier that morning, criticizing counties for ignoring detainers.

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Counties and Democrats Fuel Chaos

Counties refuse to honor ICE detainers, claiming no legal duty to hold individuals beyond release dates. Sheriffs rebut DHS accusations, citing missed pickups for serious offenders. Governor Tim Walz called for reduced ICE presence, labeling operations a “show of force.” Vance warned that broader local cooperation would lower protests and risks to agents. Protesters face potential prison time for obstructing federal enforcement. ICE vows operations continue until no criminal illegals remain.

Trump’s federal team holds enforcement authority, but relies on locals for custody. Minnesota’s DFL leadership issues “stand down” rhetoric, hindering removals in a post-2024 election crackdown on sanctuary policies that endangered communities.

Vance acknowledges Minnesota Department of Corrections cooperating with ICE https://t.co/X1EWGc0sD7

— CBS News (@CBSNews) January 23, 2026

Implications for Law and Order

Short-term, increased cooperation could de-escalate tensions in Minneapolis-Twin Cities, strained since 2020 unrest. Long-term, this sets precedent for overriding blue-state resistance, boosting nationwide ICE surges. Businesses suffer disruptions, agents face violence, and DFL politicians heat up politically. The Trump narrative strengthens: prioritizing American safety over illegal immigration excuses. MnDOC’s compliance upholds rule of law against county overreach.