Minnesota legislature: Fraud, ICE, and Metro Surge dominate agenda

A look ahead to the 2026 legislative session

FOX 9's Corin Hoggard give us a look ahead to the 2026 legislative session. 

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - As Minnesota legislators return to the Capitol on Tuesday, key issues like the effects of Operation Metro Surge, fraud, and immigration laws will take center stage.

Operation Metro Surge's impact

What we know:

DFL leaders are focused on addressing the financial impact of Operation Metro Surge. Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy expressed concerns about small businesses shutting down and workforce losses in critical industries. House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson emphasized holding the federal government accountable for the harm caused, both judicially and financially.

Potential agenda items include a business recovery fund, an eviction moratorium, and new bills to make law enforcement more identifiable. However, Republicans have different priorities, focusing on federal immigration laws and fraud.

Minnesota’s legislative priorities ahead

With Minnesota’s lawmakers set to reconvene for the legislative session next week, FOX 9’s Corin Hoggard takes a look at some of the priorities they could look to tackle this year.

Fraud and financial oversight

What they're saying:

Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, who is running for governor, is prioritizing fraud in the legislature. She hopes a flash audit by Optum will lead to new guardrails, but she has only seen a report with redacted vulnerabilities and recommendations. "There should be transparency," said Demuth.

Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson highlighted the need to improve the process of moving money from the state to social service programs. He noted the significant funds flowing through various departments and emphasized ensuring these organizations are legitimate and beneficial to Minnesotans.