Part 9/12:
The arrests are not merely about drug interdiction but also about disrupting human trafficking and immigration crime. Thousands of illegal migrants, many of whom are involved in or serve as couriers for drug networks, are being removed en masse. These efforts are tearing down the critical human infrastructure that allows cartels and traffickers to operate seamlessly in the region.
The coordination between federal agencies and local authorities has converted jails into effective choke points, preventing traffickers from rejoining the streets quickly. Each arrest and removal weakens the network, forcing cartels to take larger risks, reroute supply lines, and replace experienced personnel, which increases the cost and danger of doing business in Minneapolis.