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
Inside Dallas ICE facility in aftermath of sniper attack that killed two detainees

A Look Into Dallas ICE Facility Following Deadly Sniper Attack on Detainees

Exclusive footage obtained by Brooke Taylor reveals the aftermath of a deadly…
UNC professor on leave over ties to far-left gun club once headlined Harvard panel on armed activism

UNC Professor on Leave Over Far-Left Gun Club Links Previously Starred at Harvard Discussion on Armed Activism

The Trump administration announced it was freezing over $2 billion in grants…
Gaza flotilla: Activists including Greta Thunberg say Israeli navy has begun intercepting a Gaza-bound aid flotilla

Gaza Flotilla: Activists, Including Greta Thunberg, Report Interception by Israeli Navy

BARCELONA, Spain — Activists traveling on a flotilla of vessels headed towards…
Teen charged with murder after allegedly killing two girls in deadly hit-and-run crash: prosecutor

Teen Accused of Murder After Fatal Hit-and-Run Kills Two Girls, According to Prosecutor

Two teen girls were killed in a hit-and-run incident in New Jersey…
Through the roof: How much does it cost to live in Glynn County?

Skyrocketing Prices: What Are the Living Expenses in Glynn County?

The median home price in some areas has doubled in the last…
UN delegates walk out as Netanyahu takes the stage

Israeli Envoy Criticizes ‘Planned Walkout’ Before Netanyahu’s Address, Addresses Holiday Scheduling Dispute

Israel’s lead diplomat at the United Nations criticized those who exited the…
Robert Irwin on shirtless 'Dancing With the Stars' performance and influx of messages from American girls

Robert Irwin’s Shirtless ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Routine Sparks Attention from American Fans

Robert Irwin is feeling like a million bucks. The wildlife conservationist chatted…
Son accused of brutally beating his mother to death with gardening tool over inheritance: police

Man Allegedly Kills Mother in Violent Attack Using Garden Tool in Dispute Over Inheritance: Authorities

A Missouri man is behind bars after authorities say he allegedly beat…
A prolonged US government shutdown could impact your travel plans

Extended US Government Shutdown May Disrupt Your Travel Arrangements

If a U.S. government shutdown persists, it might disrupt travel plans, potentially…
SEC No Action Letter Signals Green Light for Innovation

SEC Greenlights Innovation with No Action Letter

In a notable advancement for the blockchain and decentralized tech industries, the…
Michigan church shooter's romance history emerges as suspect's father apologizes to victims' families

Community of LDS Church Members Raises Over $140K for Family of Michigan Shooting Victim

Members associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have…
Chicago immigration enforcement: 4 in custody after federal agents raid shelter in Bronzeville, DHS officials say

Federal Agents Conduct Immigration Enforcement in Bronzeville, Four Detained

CHICAGO (WLS) — Federal agents made immigration arrests at a shelter in…