ICE Agents Intimidated Minnesota Protesters at Home, Filings Reveal
Recent filings reveal that ICE agents in Minnesota have been intimidating protesters by showing up at their homes. This alarming trend was highlighted through nearly 100 sworn statements submitted to federal court, detailing experiences of several individuals targeted by these federal agents.
Protesters Face Intimidation by ICE Agents
Daniel Woo, a sound designer from Plymouth, MN, first shared his unsettling experience last month. On a freezing Tuesday, he observed a suspicious SUV associated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in St. Paul. After confirming its license plate, Mr. Woo followed the vehicle, which eventually parked outside his home. He expressed, “They just came over to intimidate me. To say, ‘We know where you live.’”
Widespread Accounts of Harassment
Mr. Woo’s experience is echoed in dozens of statements from other residents. Many describe similar encounters where ICE agents tracked them down after protests, hinting at a troubling pattern of intimidation. These individuals were part of an organized effort to monitor ICE activities, particularly in response to the increased immigration enforcement initiated by the Trump administration.
- ICE deployed approximately 3,000 agents to Minnesota in December to apprehend undocumented immigrants.
- Protests intensified, leading to confrontations between demonstrators and federal agents.
- Some protesters reported harassment when they followed agents, leading to threats and aggressive confrontations.
Specific Incidents of Intimidation
Emily Beltz, another protester, detailed a frightening episode on January 26, when she followed an SUV believed to contain ICE agents. To her shock, the vehicle accelerated toward her, causing her to fear for her life. An agent exited the vehicle, yelling her home address, further showcasing the brazen tactics used by federal agents.
Other protesters, like Timothy Brandon and Clayton Kelly, reported physical violence during protests. Mr. Brandon was injured by a projectile and encountered tear gas, while Mr. Kelly faced aggressive tactics from multiple agents, leading to pepper spray exposure.
Responses and Legal Action
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its Minnesota affiliate have filed a civil lawsuit against the Trump administration. This case aims to protect the rights of protesters and address the alarming behavior of ICE agents. In response, ICE officials have generally dismissed the claims of harassment as misguided.
Tom Homan, then the administration’s border czar, claimed that the operations in Minnesota were a success and announced the conclusion of increased agent deployment. Nevertheless, the lawsuits continue to move forward, underscoring the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration and law enforcement practices.
The Ongoing Controversy
Protests against ICE’s aggressive tactics have sparked heated debates in Minnesota. The statements gathered from residents indicate a fraught and tense atmosphere in the Twin Cities, exacerbated by the tragic deaths of two protesters during previous confrontations.
As these legal proceedings unfold, the implications for immigrant rights and public safety remain critical. Individuals like Mr. Woo express a dedication to document ICE operations, motivated by a desire to uphold civil liberties and protect communities amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement.
