Millions Spent on Immigration Enforcement Surges in Major Cities

DHS operations in Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles cost taxpayers hundreds of millions

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security has spent hundreds of millions on immigration enforcement operations in major U.S. cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, and Los Angeles over the past year. Estimates show the Minneapolis surge cost around $18 million per week, the Chicago operation cost at least $59 million over two months, and the Los Angeles deployment cost California nearly $120 million. The lack of transparency from DHS makes it difficult to pinpoint exact costs, but the operations have drawn criticism from local officials and communities.

Why it matters

These immigration enforcement surges in sanctuary cities have sparked outrage from local leaders and communities, who argue the operations are a waste of taxpayer money and disrupt public safety. The high costs of the deployments, which include expenses for agents, detention, and the use of the National Guard, have also raised concerns about the prioritization of immigration enforcement over other government services and programs.

The details

In Minneapolis, the "Operation Metro Surge" was estimated to cost around $18 million per week, including $9 million in salaries, $4.5 million in lodging and meals, and $1.6 million in migrant detention. The Chicago operation, "Operation Midway Blitz", cost at least $59 million over two months, with the highest costs coming from sending migrants to ICE detention centers. The Los Angeles deployment, which involved 4,200 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, cost California nearly $120 million according to the governor's office.

  • The Minneapolis surge ended in February 2026 after two months of operations.
  • The Chicago operation ran from October to early December 2025.
  • The Los Angeles deployment began in June 2025 and lasted several months.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency responsible for the immigration enforcement operations in these major cities.

Tom Homan

The White House border czar who announced the end of the Minneapolis surge.

Gregory Bovino

The former Border Patrol Commander-At-Large who was initially the face of the Chicago operation before being replaced.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who estimated the Los Angeles deployment cost the state nearly $120 million.

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles who opposed the federal immigration enforcement operation in the city.

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What they’re saying

“There's no question that the American people deserve a full accounting of what this operation has done and what the, if any, benefits have been. And that should really be used to inform what immigration policy looks like moving forward.”

— Aaron Rosenthal, Research Director, North Star Policy (NewsNation)

“Let us not forget what this political theater is costing us all — millions of taxpayer dollars down the drain, an atrophy to the readiness of guardsmembers across the nation and unnecessary hardships to the families supporting those troops.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (NewsNation)

What’s next

DHS officials have indicated that while the high-profile surges in these cities have ended, federal immigration enforcement operations will continue as part of normal ICE field activities. The lack of transparency around the costs of these operations is likely to remain an issue of concern for local leaders and the public.

The takeaway

The hundreds of millions spent on these immigration enforcement surges in major cities have raised questions about the prioritization of immigration crackdowns over other government services and programs. The lack of transparency from DHS about the true costs of these operations has fueled criticism that the agency is using national security and public safety as justifications to spend taxpayer money without proper oversight.