Introduction Affordability seems to be the topic on everyone’s mind in 2026. A majority of Minnesotans now say affordability should be the top priority for elected officials, and it’s easy to see why: the cost of basics, including housing, food, child care,...
By Aaron Rosenthal, North Star Policy Action and Aaron Sojourner, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Policy Research Introduction Reporting on Operation Metro Surge (OMS) in Minnesota has focused on economic harm to several industries with large immigrant worker populations,...
New labor market data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for February 2026 continue to tell a troubling story about the state of Minnesota's economy. The numbers confirm what we documented for January: Operation Metro Surge left real,...
On April 2, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released new labor market data for January 2026, giving us the first concrete look at how Minnesota's economy fared in the immediate aftermath of Operation Metro Surge. The picture is...
By Aaron Sojourner, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research and Aaron Rosenthal, Northstar Policy Action This analysis aims to quantify key economic impacts of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) surge of agents starting in early January 2026 to...
By, Aaron Rosenthal, Research Director, North Star Policy Action and Aaron Sojourner, Senior Economist and Deputy Director of Research, W.E. Upjohn Institute Since the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Operation Metro Surge, many business owners,...
Introduction For the last six weeks, Minnesota has been the target of Operation Metro Surge. Conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the human cost of this operation has been tremendous. This cost has been epitomized by violence against numerous...
Local reporting shows economic harm statewide — while business leaders, corporations, and Republican lawmakers remain silent. ICE Enforcement Is Disrupting Minnesota’s Economy Minnesota is experiencing an unprecedented federal...
Use this form to get in touch with North Star staff, or send your questions, suggestions, and ideas to staff@northstarpolicy.org.