DHS Announces Arrest of Ecuadorian National with Multiple DWI Convictions in Minnesota
Federal immigration authorities have taken an Ecuadorian national into custody following a targeted enforcement operation in Minnesota. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem highlighted the arrest of Javier Alexander Ramirez-Llumiquinga as part of a broader crackdown known as “Operation Metro Surge.” According to DHS statements released on January 29, Ramirez-Llumiquinga has been convicted of two counts of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and currently faces a third DWI charge pending in the Dakota County District Court in Hastings, Minnesota.
The arrest occurred amidst heightened tensions between federal enforcement agencies and local jurisdictions regarding cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DHS officials, including Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, stated that the operation specifically targets individuals they classify as “criminal illegal aliens” who may be released by local authorities before federal agents can intervene. The agency urged Minnesota officials to grant ICE agents access to local jails to facilitate the transfer of custody for individuals deemed a threat to public safety.
“Operation Metro Surge” has resulted in the arrests of several other foreign nationals in the region, with charges ranging from assault to drug possession. DHS has framed these actions as essential for removing repeat offenders from communities. However, the inclusion of individuals with non-violent offenses, such as DWI, in high-profile sweeps often draws criticism from civil rights organizations and immigration advocates.
Opponents of aggressive deportation operations argue that local law enforcement should not act as an extension of federal immigration authorities. Legal experts and advocacy groups frequently contend that “sanctuary” policies are necessary to ensure that immigrant communities remain willing to report crimes and cooperate with police without fear of deportation. Furthermore, critics emphasize that all individuals, regardless of immigration status, are entitled to due process and that rapid removal operations can sometimes bypass necessary legal reviews. While DHS maintains that Ramirez-Llumiquinga represents a public safety risk due to repeated impaired driving, the pending nature of his third charge remains a matter for the Dakota County judicial system to adjudicate.
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