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A Mexican national was arrested in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Saturday after allegedly ramming his vehicle into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vehicle during an attempted arrest operation, federal authorities reported.
Tranquilino Sixto-Anorve, who entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location according to the Department of Homeland Security, was taken into custody following the incident. Federal officials stated that Sixto-Anorve struck both an ICE vehicle and a civilian car during the encounter.
ICE officials noted that Sixto-Anorve has accumulated multiple DUI convictions, which led to his targeting for arrest as a “public safety threat.” He is currently being held in ICE custody while the case proceeds.
The incident occurs amid what federal authorities describe as a significant rise in vehicular attacks against immigration enforcement officers. According to DHS data, ICE officers have experienced 66 “vehicular attacks” between January 21, 2025, and January 7, 2026, representing a staggering 3,200% increase compared to just two incidents during the same period the previous year.
“This ramming highlights increased risks our brave men and women of ICE face amid hostile rhetoric and actions from anti-ICE agitators and politicians,” ICE said in a statement following the Minnesota incident.
The arrest comes during a period of heightened immigration enforcement activities in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, where ICE has been conducting targeted operations against individuals with criminal backgrounds who are in the country illegally. These operations have faced opposition from some community activists and local officials, creating a tense environment for federal agents.
In a similar incident earlier this month, Cuban national Robyn Argote Brooks allegedly rammed two ICE vehicles in San Antonio, Texas, in what authorities described as an attempt to evade arrest. Video footage of that confrontation showed Brooks accelerating into federal vehicles after being boxed in during a targeted stop, nearly striking an officer in the process. The incident ended when agents broke through the driver’s window and forcibly removed Brooks from the vehicle.
The Minnesota case represents part of a troubling pattern for federal immigration authorities. ICE Acting Director Patrick Lechleitner recently testified before Congress about the dangers faced by immigration officers, citing increasing resistance and physical confrontations during enforcement operations.
Law enforcement officials attribute the rise in such incidents partially to heightened tensions surrounding immigration policy and enforcement strategies. The surge in vehicular attacks has prompted ICE to implement additional safety protocols for field operations, including enhanced tactical training and the deployment of additional personnel during high-risk arrests.
Immigration enforcement has remained a politically divisive issue across the country, with some jurisdictions limiting cooperation with federal authorities while others support expanded enforcement efforts. These policy differences have created a patchwork enforcement landscape that can complicate operations for federal agents.
The recent enforcement surge in Minnesota has resulted in the arrest of numerous individuals with criminal records, including those convicted of serious offenses. According to ICE officials, the operations specifically target those who pose security or safety threats to communities rather than focusing on immigration status alone.
As Sixto-Anorve’s case moves forward, it will likely become part of the broader national conversation about immigration enforcement priorities and the safety challenges faced by federal officers in carrying out their duties.
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6 Comments
It’s troubling to see a rise in these types of incidents. Regardless of one’s views on immigration policy, violence and aggression against law enforcement officials is never justified. I hope this case is handled fairly and safely.
Attacks on law enforcement, regardless of the circumstances, are unacceptable and put innocent lives at risk. I hope this case is resolved peacefully and that the appropriate legal processes are followed.
Vehicular attacks against ICE agents are very concerning. While details are still emerging, it’s important that all parties involved are held accountable through proper legal channels. Public safety must be the top priority.
A 3,200% increase in vehicular attacks against ICE agents is alarming. This trend requires serious attention and action to protect public safety and uphold the rule of law. I’m curious to learn more about the underlying factors driving this surge in violence.
This sounds like a serious situation that warrants a thorough investigation. I’m curious to learn more about the underlying factors that may have contributed to this alleged attack. Deescalation and due process should be priorities.
Vehicular attacks against immigration enforcement officers are concerning and unacceptable. While details are still emerging, this incident underscores the need for lawful, safe procedures during arrests and detentions.