Ecuador Alleges ICE Agent Attempted Entry at Minneapolis Consulate
In a significant diplomatic incident, Ecuador has lodged a formal protest with the U.S. Embassy following an attempted entry by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent at its consulate in Minneapolis. According to Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry, consulate staff successfully blocked the agent’s entry, safeguarding Ecuadorian nationals present within the building.
Ecuador’s Diplomatic Protest
The incident occurred amid rising tensions related to a large-scale deportation operation in Minnesota. This operation, known as Operation Metro Surge, involves about 3,000 U.S. agents, including those from ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol. The initiative is part of broader immigration enforcement efforts ordered by President Donald Trump.
Details of the Attempted Entry
The Foreign Ministry described the event as an “attempted incursion into the Ecuadorian Consulate in Minneapolis by ICE agents.” In light of the incident, officials submitted a note of protest to the U.S. Embassy in Quito, demanding assurance that similar events do not occur again.
- Date of Incident: January 27
- Location: Ecuadorian Consulate, Minneapolis
- Operation: Operation Metro Surge
- Number of Agents Involved: Approximately 3,000
- Commands from: President Donald Trump
Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses near the consulate reported seeing the immigration agents pursuing individuals who later sought refuge inside the consulate. One woman, who opted to remain anonymous for fear of government reprisal, stated, “I saw the officers going after two people in the street, and then those people went into the consulate and the officers tried to go in after them.”
Fortunately for those inside, the agents were unsuccessful in their attempts to enter the consulate.
International Diplomatic Protections
Under international law, consular offices are considered the sovereign territory of their respective nations. This status grants them diplomatic immunity, which protects them from unauthorized entry by foreign government agents.
Political Tensions and Response
The operational pressures have raised significant political tension in the region. Recent events related to Operation Metro Surge have resulted in protests throughout Minnesota and beyond, particularly following fatal incidents involving U.S. citizens. In a bid to reduce tensions, Tom Homan, the border enforcement chief, recently met with Minnesota’s governor and Minneapolis’ mayor.
As this ongoing situation evolves, Ecuador and the United States remain under scrutiny, with hopes for a resolution that respects diplomatic protocols and the rights of individuals.
