Operation Metro Surge cost Minneapolis at least $203 million
Feb 24th 2026
Minneapolis officials say federal immigration enforcement known as Operation Metro Surge produced at least $203.1 million in local economic and service impacts, including business revenue losses, rent assistance and increased food and mental health needs; officials warn the figures are likely undercounts. St. Paul reports separate business losses and an estimated $3.4 million in monthly revenue decline.
- City estimate puts the total impact at a minimum of $203.1 million.
- Breakdown includes $47 million in lost wages, $81 million in restaurant and small business revenue losses, and $4.7 million in hotel cancellation revenue losses.
- The city has spent $15.7 million on additional rent assistance for about 35,000 low-income renter households.
- Minneapolis reports $2.4 million is being spent weekly to support roughly 76,200 people experiencing food insecurity.
- Officials say 8,713 school-age children need additional mental health services, with no fiscal total provided.
- More than $6 million was spent in one month on city staff payroll, police overtime and related operational expenses.
- Estimates are based on voluntary surveys with low response rates and are likely undercounts, and St. Paul separately estimates about $3.4 million in monthly business revenue losses.