MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Armed immigration officers made multiple arrests of activists trailing their vehicles in Minneapolis on Tuesday, indicating that tensions surrounding immigration enforcement remain high following recent actions by federal agencies.
At least one activist was handcuffed and detained while complying with officers' requests amidst ongoing protests against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in the area. An on-site photographer for the Associated Press captured moments as immigration officers ordered activists to exit their vehicles at gunpoint, while nearby officers reportedly threatened to use pepper spray to maintain crowd control.
The incident illustrates a rising pattern of targeted immigration arrests, as federal agents have shifted from operations in public parking lots directly to community locations such as homes and neighborhoods, limiting activist visibility and response times. As alerts circulated in community activist groups, notes were primarily focused on sightings rather than active detainment occurrences.
The arrests followed previous criticism about ICE's deportation practices, and a federal judge recently issued a ruling aimed at protecting the rights of individuals who follow federal agents without impeding their activities. However, this ruling has faced challenges in higher courts, complicating the landscape for activists and community members concerned about enforcement overreach.
Additionally, activists have reported that their capacity to monitor ICE actions and report detainment incidences has diminished as federal agents operate with increasing discretion and in less accessible areas. Following this recent crackdown, tensions may escalate further as community dialogues around immigration reform and enforcement intensify.
There was no immediate comment from the Department of Homeland Security or ICE on the situation that unfolded in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, despite these tensions, community organizers remain resolute in continuing their advocacy for immigrant rights and transparency in enforcement actions.
