Human Rights Watch (HRW) leveled a harsh accusation against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), claiming that thousands of federal agents committed serious human rights violations during an immigration operation in Minnesota that left entire communities living in fear, disrupted schools and hospitals, and led to the detention of thousands of people.
On June 18, the organization published a report titled “A Fabricated Crisis: Minnesota Communities Terrorized by the Federal Government,” in which it documents the effects of the so-called “Operation Metro Surge,” carried out between December 2025 and March 2026 under the administration of President Donald Trump.
More than 4,000 people detained and reports of discrimination
The University of Minnesota School of Nursing has just announced a new scholarship to honor the legacy of Alex Pretti.
Also, here is Alex Pretti spitting on federal agents and kicking one of their vehicles. pic.twitter.com/Nx8jg0AGXH
— Gain of Fauci (@DschlopesIsBack) April 15, 2026
According to HRW’s investigation, the operation had a devastating impact, particularly in the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, where agents from ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) carried out mass arrests, employed aggressive tactics, and created a climate of fear that disrupted the daily lives of thousands of residents.
The report notes that approximately 4,000 immigrants were detained during the operation and that more than 75% of them had no criminal record in the United States.
To prepare the report, Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 130 people, including immigrants, lawyers, human rights defenders, and professionals from various fields.
One of the most troubling issues highlighted by the organization is the alleged widespread racial discrimination during the operations.
HRW maintains that numerous officers detained or questioned people based on their physical appearance, ethnic origin, or skin color.
In fact, the organization claims that more than 500 U.S. citizens were detained during protests related to immigration raids.
“People of color interviewed by HRW said they were so afraid of racial discrimination that they began carrying their passports with them everywhere,” the report notes.
Allegations of Excessive Use of Force
GOP gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth defended the ICE crackdown after agents killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti: “The deaths of two Minnesota residents—that’s the cost of it.” pic.twitter.com/IKt9SkYESa
— Project True North (@proj_true_north) June 16, 2026
The organization also documented multiple incidents that it considers to be abuses by federal authorities.
These include allegations that officers pointed their weapons at residents for no apparent reason, damaged private vehicles by breaking windows, shoved and physically assaulted people who were not resisting, and used stun grenades and other “less-lethal” weapons against protesters.
In addition, HRW states that U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed during the operation, cases that the organization directly links to the actions of federal agents.
Schools, hospitals, and jobs affected
Alex Pretti was murdered four months ago today, here in Minnesota
No one has been arrested for his murder or for the murder of Renee Good
We need to keep their names in the public eye until their families receive justice
That’s the least we can do pic.twitter.com/574jjaFSrU
— chiky handler (@chiky_handlr) May 25, 2026
Beyond the arrests, HRW maintains that the operation had profound consequences for people’s daily lives.
Some medical clinics reported a drop of up to 50% in the number of patients because people were afraid to leave their homes.
In fact, some residents reportedly missed urgent medical appointments for fear of encountering immigration agents.
The report also notes that thousands of students stopped attending in-person classes or temporarily switched to online learning, while many workers avoided driving or commuting to work, leading to job losses and financial hardship for many families.
HRW Calls for Reforms
NOW: Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino is hounded by activists and shoppers protesting his presence as he and a federal agent leave a Target in St. Paul, Minnesota, in a convoy to use the restroom. pic.twitter.com/Ti21rQbuyd
– Ford Fischer (@FordFischer) January 11, 2026
In light of these findings, Human Rights Watch called for far-reaching reforms at both ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The organization is calling for greater oversight of immigration agencies, stronger transparency mechanisms, restrictions on the unnecessary use of force, and effective accountability processes for officials involved in alleged abuses.
The report adds to a growing national debate over the scope of immigration enforcement and the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting civil rights in the United States.
Filed under: Human Rights Violations by ICE