ICE Protest Sparks Chaos as Protesters Storm Minneapolis Hotel Entrance
A protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sparked chaos at a Minneapolis hotel on Sunday night. What began as a peaceful demonstration near the University of Minnesota escalated into a confrontation involving federal agents and local law enforcement.
Demonstration Details
The protest took place outside the Home2Suites by Hilton around 8 p.m. Initially peaceful, tensions rose after about an hour. Some protesters vandalized the building with messages like “ICE OUT,” while others hurled objects at the windows.
As protesters attempted to enter the hotel, two employees and a Minneapolis police officer tried to maintain order. Protesters also blocked the glass front doors with vending machines.
Federal Response
By 9 p.m., around 50 protesters remained outside the hotel. According to the Minnesota Police Department, the situation turned disorderly, prompting officers to surround the crowd, issue dispersal orders, and prepare for potential mass arrests.
- Federal agents arrived unexpectedly.
- Tear gas was deployed to control the crowd.
- At least 24 armed federal agents entered the hotel around 10 p.m. and left an hour later.
The Department of Homeland Security did not provide immediate comments on the incident. Notably, Minneapolis police did not use any chemical munitions, and federal officials declined assistance from local police.
Arrests Made
During the chaos, two men were detained but later released by the police. The protest raised questions about federal interventions in local demonstrations related to immigration policies.
This event underscores the heightened tensions surrounding ICE protests in urban areas, reflecting broader concerns about immigration enforcement and community responses.
