On January 15, 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a raid at El Tapatio restaurant in Willmar, Minnesota, detaining three employees. This incident has drawn significant criticism from local Democratic leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who have voiced their opposition to current immigration enforcement practices.

The operation has prompted a federal investigation into the actions of these officials, highlighting the ongoing tensions between state and federal immigration policies. Witnesses reported that bystanders protested the detentions, raising ethical concerns about the agents' actions. Critics argue that such enforcement tactics create an atmosphere of fear and vulnerability within immigrant communities.

Supporters of the operation maintain that it represents a legitimate enforcement of federal law, while detractors emphasize the negative impact on social equity and community safety. This incident is part of a broader discussion on immigration policy and the role of federal agencies in local contexts, particularly amid calls for more humane treatment of individuals facing deportation.

In response to ICE's actions, the AFL-CIO, which represents approximately 15 million workers, has endorsed a statewide economic blackout in Minnesota scheduled for January 23, 2026. This initiative follows ICE's Operation Metro Surge, which has resulted in over 2,500 arrests since its inception on December 1, 2025. The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, has criticized the militarized approach to immigration enforcement, stating that it poses risks to innocent working individuals.

The Day of Truth and Freedom, organized by various community, faith, and union groups, calls for residents to refrain from work, school, and shopping to demonstrate economic solidarity against ICE's presence. Organizers are demanding the withdrawal of ICE from Minnesota and the elimination of federal funding for the agency in the upcoming congressional budget.

The Department of Homeland Security has characterized Operation Metro Surge as a measure to target criminal activity among immigrants. However, many residents have criticized the methods used by federal agents to locate and detain individuals. Tensions escalated following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen, by an ICE officer on January 7, leading to protests and a lawsuit filed by Minnesota's attorney general against the Department of Homeland Security. This lawsuit seeks to halt the operation, citing its negative impact on local law enforcement resources, public safety, and community stability.