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Wednesday, Oct 7, 2026

Did Lisa Demuth sign a letter in support of Kristi Noem and ICE during Operation Metro Surge? 

Brian Arola, MinnPost
yes

Demuth, the Minnesota House Speaker and GOP gubernatorial candidate, joined House Republican colleagues in signing the letter, sent to Noem, in December. At the time, Noem was the secretary of Homeland Security overseeing Operation Metro Surge, the mass immigration enforcement operation. 

The letter was a rebuke to Gov. Tim Walz, who had sent a letter to Noem saying the “forcefulness, lack of communication, and unlawful practices displayed by your agents will not be tolerated in Minnesota.” In their response, Demuth and other letter signees praised Noem’s “steady leadership” and expressed gratitude to federal agents.

The letter was sent as ICE was ramping up its enforcement in the Twin Cities but before federal agents had killed Renee Good and Alex Pretti. President Donald Trump ousted Noem from her position in March of 2026.

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