Federal officers in tactical gear went into a Latino community in Minneapolis. A protest followed
Share this @internewscast.com

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A large group of demonstrators gathered in a central Minneapolis neighborhood predominantly populated by Latinos on Tuesday. This followed the arrival of numerous federal and local officials in tactical gear executing what they described as a law enforcement operation.

Sparked by livestreams alleging an immigration raid, the protesters rushed to assemble near a Mexican restaurant and other Latino-owned businesses, expressing their opposition to such actions in a city that has positioned itself as a sanctuary for migrants. However, local authorities clarified that the operation was part of a criminal investigation, not immigration enforcement.

“As we continue to gather information, this event involved a criminal search warrant concerning drugs and money laundering, not immigration enforcement,” Mayor Jacob Frey posted on Facebook shortly after the operation occurred. “No arrests were made.”

But several dozen protesters remained at the intersection occupied by federal agents hours earlier, using cars to block traffic. A few held signs saying “abolish ICE” and “stop the deportations.”

A driver went through the crowd. At least one person appeared to have been knocked to the ground but got up and said they were OK. Protesters deflated the car’s tires; police moved in to take the driver away, and a scuffle ensued. At least one man was taken into custody.

Bystander video showed officers wearing logos from local agencies but also federal ones, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations. An armored vehicle at the scene bore the initials of Homeland Security Investigations. Minneapolis’ police chief also was present.

Michelle Gross, president of the local Communities United Against Police Brutality group, said the show of force appeared designed to “terrorize people into submission.”

“This is jackbooted thuggery, and we aren’t having it in our city,” she said.

Onlooker Jennifer Davila, who works in the community, said it already had been on edge because of raids. It’s tight-knit, and “if something happens, we know about it,” she said.

“They had a white van, a black van and a tank. For a raid, that’s pretty excessive,” Davila said. “And then coming into a brown community and doing this, because we have all kinds of immigrants, not just Latinos.”

While the mayor said there were no arrests, a few protesters were at least temporarily detained as tensions grew between the crowd and the law enforcement officers. A Minnesota Public Radio photographer was pepper-sprayed and had his camera broken.

A Facebook post from the sheriff’s office said it “partnered with federal agencies on a criminal investigation and part of that investigation included the execution of multiple search warrants at multiple locations in the metro area.”

Frey said the police department’s only role was helping with crowd control, and that the department was not involved in “anything related to immigration enforcement.” Both the police department and sheriff’s offices have policies against cooperating with immigration enforcement actions.

The sheriff’s office said that in conducting criminal investigations, “We work with federal partners regularly.” A local FBI spokesperson, Diana Freedman, declined in a text message to provide details about the operation.

___

Associated Press writers Sarah Raza in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, contributed reporting.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Kim Zolciak gushes over Kyle Mowitz romance for first time after ex Kroy Biermann's scathing warning

Kim Zolciak Opens Up About New Romance with Kyle Mowitz Amidst Tensions with Ex Kroy Biermann

Kim Zolciak made it official on Wednesday by sharing her budding romance…
NYC socialist mayoral candidate Mamdani's 911 plan called 'worst idea' by former NYPD

Former NYPD Criticizes NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani’s Controversial 911 Reform Proposal

Mamdani calls for ‘reorganizing’ NYPD 911 response In a mayoral debate held…
How inflatable costumes ballooned at anti-Trump rallies due to a Portland protester's frog outfit

Inflatable Costumes Take Center Stage at Anti-Trump Rallies, Inspired by Portland Protester’s Frog Attire

In Portland, Oregon, a unique form of protest unfolded when Seth Todd…
Porta-potty peep scheme busted as man faces nearly 100 charges for filming students: police

Man Arrested for Allegedly Filming Students in Porta-Potties, Faces Extensive List of Charges

An Iowa resident is facing close to 100 charges after authorities discovered…
Fernandina Beach family pushes for intersection safety after multiple crashes

Fernandina Beach Residents Demand Urgent Intersection Safety Measures Following Frequent Accidents

A family in Fernandina Beach is calling for crucial safety enhancements at…
Charlotte man charged with Iryna Zarutska’s killing could face death penalty

Charlotte Resident Faces Potential Death Penalty in Connection with Iryna Zarutska’s Murder

The heart-wrenching case of Iryna Zarutska’s murder has taken a significant legal…
Trucking company owned by illegal immigrant raked in money from taxpayers before fatal crash: records

Records Reveal Taxpayer-Funded Earnings of Immigrant-Owned Trucking Firm Prior to Fatal Accident

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Records reveal that an undocumented immigrant in Indiana, recently…
Chicago crash: 1 arrested in attempt to hit federal agents in vehicle near Ogden, 26th Street in Little Village, Cicero police say

Chicago Incident: Suspect Arrested in Alleged Vehicle Assault on Federal Agents in Little Village, Cicero

CHICAGO — In a dramatic incident on Chicago’s Southwest Side on Wednesday…
Illegal immigrant trucker accused in fatal California crash released by Biden admin after 2022 border crossing

Immigrant Trucker Involved in Fatal California Accident Released by Biden Administration Following 2022 Border Entry

A 21-year-old man from India, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022…
Bernie-Endorsed Maine Senate Candidate's Campaign Implodes As Dems in Disarray Hits Fever Pitch

Maine Democrats Face Backlash Over Controversial Policies: A Step Too Far?

In a surprising twist from Maine, Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner…
Manhunt underway after college student attacked on campus following reported road rage incident: police

Authorities Launch Search Following Campus Assault on College Student Stemming from Alleged Road Rage Incident

Authorities at a Maryland university have initiated a manhunt after a student…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…