UPDATE: In a shocking revelation, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley announced that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents drew their guns on an off-duty police officer in the Minneapolis area. This incident, reported during a tense news conference on January 21, 2021, highlights serious concerns about racial profiling and the aggressive tactics employed by federal agents.
Bruley described a disturbing encounter where an off-duty officer was “boxed in” by ICE agents while driving. When she attempted to record the incident on her phone, the agents allegedly knocked the device from her hand, demanding proof of citizenship. Their guns were drawn during this confrontation, escalating the situation dramatically. When the officer identified herself as law enforcement, the federal agents reportedly left the scene immediately.
This alarming trend of targeting individuals based on their race has led to an “endless” stream of complaints from U.S. citizens, including other off-duty police officers. St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry also confirmed that city employees have faced similar harassment, which he described as “clearly outside the bounds of what federal agents are allowed to do.” He emphasized the fear gripping the community: “They are getting stopped by the way that they look, and they don’t want to take that risk.”
The concerns come amid heightened tensions following the deployment of ICE agents to Minnesota as part of Operation Metro Surge, a move that has sparked protests throughout the region. Bruley expressed his worries, stating, “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.”
Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt echoed these sentiments, noting that such interactions are damaging public trust in law enforcement. She called for “lawful policing that respects human dignity,” stressing the importance of accountability.
In response to the uproar, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement claiming they could not verify the incident without specific names or details. They emphasized their commitment to investigating the allegations.
This surge in enforcement has led to widespread unrest. Recently, a protest on January 7 turned tragic when an anti-ICE activist was shot and killed during a confrontation with federal agents. Tensions rose further following another incident where an undocumented Venezuelan man was injured during a traffic stop involving ICE agents.
The situation has prompted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to mobilize the state’s National Guard, although they have not yet been deployed. Their role will likely involve supporting local law enforcement amid escalating unrest.
As Minnesota and Illinois pursue legal action against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, the community remains on edge. Residents continue to voice their fears, and officials are calling for significant changes in how immigration enforcement is conducted.
The call for accountability and oversight of ICE operations in Minnesota has never been more urgent. As this story develops, the impacts on the community and law enforcement are likely to resonate far beyond the borders of the state. Stay tuned for updates as officials respond to these grave concerns.
