A Somali American woman who gained online fame for her unique cultural analogy of “bananas and rice” is among 16 individuals arrested in Minneapolis. This follows heightened federal action amidst recent protests.
Nasra Ahmed, a 23-year-old from Minnesota, first caught the public’s attention at a press conference on January 21. Her comparison of the Somali American experience to “bananas and rice” resonated widely on social media, earning her national recognition.
“Being Somali and American is like bananas and rice,” Ahmed explained. “People might think the combination is odd, but that’s how it is for us.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday that she is in Minneapolis as federal authorities intensify efforts following clashes with protesters. She revealed that 16 individuals, including Ahmed, were arrested on charges of assaulting or obstructing federal agents.
Ahmed, known for her viral “bananas and rice” metaphor, is accused of taking part in an anti-ICE riot in Minneapolis. The arrest came as part of a crackdown led by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“I’m here on the ground in Minneapolis,” Bondi stated on the platform X. “Federal agents have detained 16 people from Minnesota for allegedly attacking and obstructing federal law enforcement officers.”
“We expect more arrests to come,” Bondi added. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: NOTHING will stop President Trump and this Department of Justice from enforcing the law.”
Bondi also shared the names and images of those charged under a federal law that makes it a crime to assault, resist or impede federal officers while they are performing their official duties.
Those named include Christina Rank, Abdikadir Noor, Madeline Tschida, Nitzana Flores, Helicity Borowska, Quentin Williams, William Vermie, Paul Johnson, Gillian Etherington, Joshua Doyle, Kirubele Adbebe, Margaret Sager, Ilan Wilson-Soler, Ahmed, Alice Valentine and Matrim Charlebois.
Protesters were arrested in Minneapolis after allegedly assaulting federal agents, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. (Attorney General Pam Bondi/X and Getty Images)
The confrontations have intensified since the fatal shooting of 37-year-old American citizen Alex Pretti, who was killed Jan. 24 by Border Patrol agents during federal immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
The shooting, the second fatal encounter involving federal agents in the city this month, has fueled ongoing protests and heightened tensions between demonstrators and law enforcement.
An ICU nurse, Pretti appeared to be trying to help a woman who agents had knocked to the ground when he was sprayed with an irritant and shoved down, according to video and witness accounts. An agent was later seen removing his lawfully owned gun from his waistband before other agents fired several shots, killing him.
The incident followed unrest earlier this month over the ICE-involved killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.
Justice Department officials have said protecting federal agents has become a priority amid rising confrontations during protests and enforcement actions.
