Minnesota AG updates lawsuit with new Metro Surge economic data
Minnesota leaders have updated their lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after they say new data shows businesses and workers experienced devastating economic damage during Operation Metro Surge.
The move by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul comes after two surveys by researchers at the University of California, San Diego.
The first survey, done between February and March, included nearly 1,400 residents, and it showed that workers lost more than $240 million in wages during the operation. A separate released survey of about 900 businesses shows more than $600 million in lost revenue.
RELATED: State lawmakers consider $100M in relief for small businesses impacted by Operation Metro Surge
Data showed that Minneapolis residents lost $189.2 million in wages, and St. Paul residents lost $54.6 million in wages.
Roughly 25% of the people surveyed in St. Paul and Minneapolis had an interaction with DHS agents during Metro Surge.
RELATED: Minneapolis grappling with over $200 million Metro Surge impact that could fall on taxpayers
Data from businesses showed a $444.8 million revenue hit to Minneapolis and a $165.4 million loss in Saint Paul.
The survey also found that around 60% of businesses in each city reported that Operation Metro Surge negatively impacted operations.
Click here for more information about the lawsuit against DHS.
