Operation Metro Surge: 2,500 Detentions Questioned

January 21, 2026

Ice,Police,Agent,-,Officer,Of,Immigration,And,Customs,Enforcement.

ICE detained a Libyan man with a devastating genetic skin disorder during Operation Metro Surge, despite his clean record and decade-long legal asylum process, exposing how federal enforcement has strayed from targeting actual criminals.

Story Highlights

Hani Duglof, legally seeking asylum since 2014, was detained despite having no criminal record during ICE’s supposed “criminal-focused” operation
His rare skin condition caused severe blistering and health complications in detention, requiring emergency hospital transport
Operation Metro Surge has detained 2,500 people while claiming to target criminals, raising questions about mission scope
Duglof was released on bond but fears re-detention, highlighting enforcement overreach against law-abiding asylum seekers

Legal Immigrant Caught in Enforcement Dragnet

Hani Duglof arrived in Minnesota in 2014 on a visitor visa, fleeing Libya’s civil war to seek treatment for epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disorder causing extremely fragile skin. He properly applied for asylum and spent over a decade integrating into American society, studying at Saint Paul College and working as an IT specialist while participating in medical trials. His case exemplifies how current enforcement operations capture law-abiding individuals navigating the legal immigration process.

ICE agents pulled Duglof over while driving in Wisconsin on January 10, 2026, during Operation Metro Surge, which officials claimed targeted criminal illegal immigrants. However, Duglof has no criminal record and has been following legal procedures for asylum. This detention contradicts the operation’s stated mission and demonstrates how enforcement actions increasingly affect non-criminal immigrants who pose no public safety threat.

Detention Conditions Threaten Medical Safety

Duglof’s rare condition requires specialized care, including soft foods due to esophageal narrowing and careful handling to prevent skin tears. During five days in detention at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, he was denied proper nutrition and suffered skin blisters from cramped conditions and restraints. The lack of appropriate medical accommodation in federal facilities highlights systemic failures in handling vulnerable detainees.

After approximately 13 hours, ICE agents transported Duglof to M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital due to concerns about his deteriorating condition, though no emergency was declared. He was returned to the facility despite ongoing health risks. This pattern reveals how detention policies prioritize enforcement over basic humanitarian considerations, even for individuals with documented medical vulnerabilities requiring ongoing treatment.

Operation Metro Surge Raises Enforcement Questions

Since December 2025, Operation Metro Surge has resulted in approximately 2,500 detentions across Minnesota, with officials emphasizing a focus on criminal illegal immigrants. However, Duglof’s case suggests the operation’s scope extends beyond its stated criminal targets. The lack of transparency regarding who gets detained undermines public confidence in enforcement priorities and raises concerns about due process for asylum seekers.

🇱🇾 had hospitals.
Deport !!!
"Libyan man in Minnesota for treatment for rare skin condition detained by ICE" https://t.co/9tD7WLlOMl #SmartNews

— Erin Milcic-schmitt (@ErinMilcic) January 19, 2026

Duglof was released on $1,500 bond on January 15, 2026, with a February court hearing scheduled for his asylum case. He expressed ongoing fear of re-detention, stating “they can stop me any time” and “I’m still not safe.” This uncertainty creates a chilling effect on immigrants pursuing legal pathways, contradicting America’s tradition of providing refuge for those fleeing persecution and seeking medical care unavailable in their home countries.