The Department of Homeland Security recently updated its “Worst of the Worst” (WOW) toolkit, a public transparency tool launched last month to showcase priority arrests and removals of non-citizen individuals convicted of serious crimes. Updated on January 22, 2026, the Minnesota-specific section highlights nearly 500 featured arrests from the state, amid the ongoing Operation Metro Surge.
WORST OF THE WORST — ARRESTED IN MINNESOTAhttps://t.co/qc8MzyFm5I
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 22, 2026
Furthermore, the toolkit provides a direct glimpse into the type of criminals that Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey are not only shielding from arrest, but actively encouraging residents and local law enforcement to protect from ICE detention.
Sahal Osman Shidane, from Somalia was wanted for criminal sexual conduct in the fourth degree after being arrested and released twice – likely due to Minnesota A.G. Ellison’s ban on 287(g) agreements with ICE – once for the rape of a 13-year-old and then for the rape of a 15-year-old.
Mong Cheng, from Laos is a Gang member affiliated with the Oriental Boys. Cheng was arrested for homicide charges, in addition to stolen property/vehicle, assault, and the “homicide-willful kill” of a non-family member with a weapon.
In a corresponding press release, Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin called out Minnesota’s leaders for prioritizing criminals.
“Just this week, ICE arrested pedophiles, gang members, drug traffickers, and violent thugs,” said McLaughlin. “Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey protected these criminals at the expense of the safety of Americans.”
Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have faced repeated criticism from DHS for refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, including the release of nearly 470 criminal non-citizens from local jails since early 2025—leading to repeat offenses.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has actively opposed cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE agents, issuing legal opinions that prohibit 287(g) agreements (which allow state/local officers to perform federal immigration functions, and detain criminal aliens until ICE arrives).
Filing a federal lawsuit in January 2026 alongside Minneapolis and St. Paul, Ellison has sought to halt the surge, alleging it constitutes an unconstitutional “federal invasion,” violates state sovereignty, and is politically motivated retaliation rather than genuine public safety efforts.
The continued rhetoric and protests, obstructing operations, have resulted in National Guard activation, DOJ investigations into Minnesota leadership, and a final warning issued to criminals.
“President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for criminal illegal aliens: LEAVE NOW. If you don’t, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you,” McLaughlin concluded in the press release.
