UPDATE: In a shocking incident, off-duty police officers in Minnesota have become targets of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, with reports of federal agents drawing their guns during interactions. This alarming revelation was made by Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley during a news conference on January 21, 2023, where he called for urgent accountability and oversight of ICE’s increased presence in the state.
Bruley disclosed that his department has received numerous complaints from both U.S. citizens and off-duty officers who have been stopped without cause and asked for proof of citizenship. He described an incident where an off-duty officer was “boxed in” by ICE agents who allegedly demanded her paperwork while brandishing their firearms. When she attempted to record the encounter, the agents reportedly knocked her phone out of her hand. “They demanded her paperwork, of which she’s a U.S. citizen, and clearly would not have any paperwork,” Bruley stated, highlighting the troubling nature of these encounters.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry echoed Bruley’s sentiments, stating that city employees have also faced unwarranted stops by federal agents. He emphasized the fear these actions instill in the community, saying, “The people that we’re dealing with… are scared to death.”
Bruley lamented that these incidents appear to be racially motivated, saying, “If it is happening to our officers, it pains me to think of how many of our community members are falling victim to this every day. It has to stop.” He clarified that while he does not oppose immigration enforcement, the methods employed by a “small group” of agents are concerning.
Adding to the urgency, Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt stated that the public trust in law enforcement is deteriorating due to these actions. She called for “lawful policing that respects human dignity,” indicating that the current situation is unsustainable.
The Department of Homeland Security responded to the allegations, stating they could not verify claims of ICE agents questioning a police officer without a name for reference. They promised to investigate the incidents further.
The troubling backdrop of these events is the recent deployment of thousands of federal immigration agents to the Minneapolis region as part of Operation Metro Surge. This deployment has sparked protests throughout the area, including a notable demonstration on January 7 where residents confronted a convoy of ICE vehicles. The situation escalated tragically when anti-ICE activist Renee Good was shot and killed during a confrontation with ICE agents. Witnesses claim she was attempting to flee when the shooting occurred.
In response to the growing unrest, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mobilized the National Guard, although they have not been deployed yet. Their eventual role is expected to assist state and local police in maintaining peace amid the rising tensions.
As the situation continues to develop, the implications for community safety and trust in law enforcement remain critical. The urgency of these incidents highlights the need for immediate action to ensure that both immigration enforcement and community protections are upheld without discrimination or unnecessary aggression.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story unfolds.
