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Federal immigration officials reported Tuesday that Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have faced increasing violence during a major enforcement operation targeting criminal illegal immigrants in Minneapolis, including multiple vehicle ramming incidents within the past two days.
“I believe we had a vehicle ramming today. We had one yesterday,” said Greg Bovino, commander at large for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assets in the Twin Cities, during a Department of Homeland Security news conference. Bovino explained that two suspects “decided that it would be a good idea to ram Border Patrol agents and then take off,” also striking a civilian vehicle during one incident. Both suspects were apprehended, though officials did not release further details.
The briefing comes amid a tense atmosphere in Minneapolis following the January 7 death of Renee Nicole Good during an ICE operation, which has sparked protests, political backlash, and intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement in the area.
Bovino appeared alongside Marcos Charles, acting executive associate director for ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, as they outlined what they described as a significant increase in arrests and mounting confrontations during what they call “Operation Metro Surge.” Federal officials emphasized that the operation is specifically targeting violent offenders who pose public safety threats.
“Our operations are lawful, they’re targeted and they’re focused on individuals who pose a serious threat to this community,” Bovino stated firmly. “They are not random, and they are not political.”
The CBP commander specifically criticized Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for what he characterized as inflammatory rhetoric that has contributed to a hostile environment for federal agents carrying out their duties.
“Leaders like Tim Walz or Mayor Frey have relied on heated rhetoric and accusations that distract from the facts,” Bovino said. “The facts are that federal agents are arresting murderers, rapists, child predators, cartel-connected criminals.”
According to Bovino, federal officers have been “violently and aggressively assaulted” since the operation began, with protesters throwing objects and damaging vehicles. Despite these challenges, he insisted that enforcement efforts have continued unabated.
Providing recent examples of the operation’s focus, Bovino cited several cases from the previous day, including the apprehension of a registered sex offender convicted of crimes against a child, as well as individuals charged with rape, domestic assault, and other violent offenses.
Bovino also addressed a recent incident where anti-ICE protesters disrupted a church service, stating, “Do we like what happened with the church there a couple of days ago when individuals came in and disrupted almost violently a church service? Absolutely not.” The Justice Department has since launched a civil rights investigation into this disruption at the Minneapolis-area church.
When challenged by a reporter during the question-and-answer session, Bovino defended the conduct of his agents, insisting they operate in a “legal, ethical and moral” manner. He suggested that confrontations typically involve organized agitators rather than ordinary citizens.
“Oftentimes, it’s agitators, rioters, anarchists that place mom-and-pop America near very tense situations when they shouldn’t even be,” Bovino said.
When asked about the status of the officer involved in the January 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Good, Charles stated only that the officer is “recovering at home,” without clarifying whether the individual remains on administrative leave or is currently participating in the ongoing operation.
The offices of Governor Walz and Mayor Frey did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations made during the press conference, nor did the Minneapolis Police Department.
The escalating tensions in Minneapolis highlight the growing national debate over immigration enforcement policies, local versus federal jurisdiction, and community safety concerns as federal agencies continue their targeted operations in urban areas.
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9 Comments
This is a highly sensitive and divisive issue. While vehicle attacks against law enforcement are completely unacceptable, the broader context of immigration policy and enforcement tactics also deserves close examination. I hope all stakeholders can engage in thoughtful, good-faith dialogue to find solutions that uphold public safety and civil liberties.
The tensions in Minneapolis highlight the need for greater transparency and dialogue around immigration enforcement. Both public safety and civil liberties must be carefully weighed. I hope cooler heads can prevail and a peaceful resolution can be found.
Vehicle attacks against law enforcement are extremely concerning and unacceptable. However, the underlying issues of immigration policy and enforcement tactics deserve thoughtful, nuanced discussion. I hope all sides can come together to find workable solutions.
This is certainly a troubling situation. Vehicle ramming of law enforcement is never acceptable, regardless of one’s views on immigration policies. I hope a full investigation can shed more light on the circumstances and ensure appropriate accountability.
Vehicle attacks against law enforcement are completely unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest terms. However, the broader immigration issues at play also require careful examination and inclusive dialogue to find durable solutions.
Enforcing immigration laws is a complex and sensitive issue. While the safety of agents is paramount, the tragic death of Ms. Good also deserves scrutiny. A balanced, fact-based approach is needed to address these challenges constructively.
Vehicle ramming incidents against law enforcement are extremely troubling and cannot be tolerated. At the same time, the underlying immigration enforcement challenges require nuanced, evidence-based discussion to address the complex dynamics at play. I hope cooler heads can prevail and a peaceful resolution can be found.
This is a highly charged situation that calls for a balanced, fact-based approach. While the safety of agents is paramount, the circumstances surrounding Ms. Good’s death also deserve thorough investigation and consideration. I hope all parties can come together to find a constructive path forward.
This is a complex and emotionally charged situation. While the safety of agents must be ensured, the circumstances around Ms. Good’s death also warrant close examination. I hope a measured, evidence-based approach can chart a way forward.