Guatemalan National Arrested in Minnesota Operation Following Multiple Domestic Abuse Convictions
Federal immigration authorities have arrested Baltazar Camposeco-Ros, a Guatemalan national, during a targeted enforcement action in Minnesota known as “Operation Metro Surge.” The operation, conducted over the weekend by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), focused on apprehending individuals with prior criminal records who are present in the United States without legal status.
According to DHS records, Camposeco-Ros has a history of criminal convictions, including domestic assault, violation of a domestic abuse no-contact order, and driving while intoxicated. His arrest was part of a broader federal initiative that authorities state is designed to remove public safety threats from local communities.
The operation has brought renewed attention to the conflict between federal enforcement agencies and local “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement accompanying the arrest announcements, criticizing Minnesota’s local policies that restrict cooperation between county jails and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). McLaughlin argued that these restrictions prevent the transfer of individuals with criminal records directly from local custody to federal agents, thereby necessitating arrests in the general public. DHS officials noted that ICE currently maintains over 1,360 active detainers in Minnesota jails.
While federal officials contend that sanctuary policies endanger the public by releasing offenders, proponents of such policies argue they are necessary to foster trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. Advocates maintain that when local police act as immigration agents, victims and witnesses are less likely to report crimes due to fear of deportation. Camposeco-Ros remains in federal custody as he awaits removal proceedings.
dhs.gov
