Ecuador Protests ICE Agent’s Attempted Entry into Minneapolis Consulate
The Ecuadorian government has issued a formal diplomatic protest against the United States following a troubling incident in Minneapolis. An agent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attempted to enter Ecuador’s consulate on Tuesday morning without proper authorization.
Details of the Attempted Consulate Entry
On the morning of the incident, consulate staff successfully prevented the ICE agent from gaining access to the building. According to a statement from the Ecuadorian foreign ministry, such actions violate the Vienna Conventions, which safeguard consular premises from law enforcement interference without consent.
Incident Description
Video footage confirmed by The New York Times captures the moment an employee hurried to the entrance. The agent allegedly attempted to open the door, prompting a verbal confrontation. The staff member firmly stated, “This is the Ecuadorian consulate, you’re not allowed to enter.” The agent reportedly reacted with a threat, saying, “If you touch me, I’ll grab you.”
Consulate Location and Response
The Ecuadorian consulate is located in Northeast Minneapolis, marked prominently with Ecuador’s national seal. In light of the incident, the Ecuadorian foreign ministry has formally complained to the American Embassy in Ecuador. The ministry aims to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Context of Increased Tensions
This incident occurs against a backdrop of intensified immigration enforcement in Minnesota. Public outrage has surged following frequent immigration activities, including the recent detention of a 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos. Liam was apprehended by ICE agents outside his school, garnering significant media attention and public backlash.
- Date of Incident: Tuesday morning
- Location: Ecuadorian consulate, Northeast Minneapolis
- Event Context: Increased ICE enforcement
- Recent Related Event: Detention of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos
The Department of Homeland Security has yet to address inquiries regarding the attempted consulate entry. The Ecuadorian government remains committed to ensuring the sanctity of its diplomatic facilities in the United States.
