Operation Metro Surge drained $610 million from Minnesota’s economy, filing says

Operation Metro Surge, an immigration crackdown in Minnesota, ended two months ago, leaving significant financial and social impacts on Minneapolis and St. Paul. An amended lawsuit filed by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the cities claims the operation cost the local economy $610 million, with $440 million in losses for Minneapolis and $165 million for St. Paul. The U.S. Immigration Policy Center found that federal agents’ presence disrupted daily life, causing $240 million in lost wages as many residents avoided work. The operation also strained police resources, with Minneapolis police incurring over $6 million in overtime costs and St. Paul spending nearly $5 million due to federal activities. Additionally, the crackdown led to canceled conventions and medical appointments, further affecting the local economy. City leaders argue that local taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of these federal actions. QUESTION: How might the financial and social impacts of federal operations like Operation Metro Surge influence future immigration policies in local communities?