Walz Raises Concerns After Citizens Arrested in Minnesota ICE Operations
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “re-evaluate” her enforcement strategy after saying multiple U.S. citizens have been detained during statewide federal immigration operations during the Trump administration’s aggressive mass deportation campaign.
In a letter to Noem, Walz said he was writing with “grave concern” about arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis.
“Reports show that some citizens were documenting federal activities while others were going about their daily lives,” he wrote. “This troubling situation has raised serious questions not only about due process and the rights of U.S. citizens, but also about trust between Minnesota communities and federal officials.”
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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “re-evaluate” her enforcement strategy following the arrests of U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. (Getty Images)
“This series of events raises serious concerns about civil liberties and trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities,” Walz said in a statement regarding his letter. he said. “Minnesotans have long valued civic engagement, and detaining citizens for lawfully exercising those rights or going about their daily lives sends a deeply troubling message. I urge Secretary Noem to respect the constitution and her administration to ensure that federal operations are conducted lawfully and with respect for the rights of all individuals.”
He stated that the “coercion, lack of communication, and illegal practices” exhibited by federal agents will not be tolerated in Minnesota. He called on Noem to reevaluate her broader enforcement strategy.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.
Walz cited an incident in which someone named “Sue” was allegedly physically pushed, handcuffed, and taken to a federal facility after she refused to return after being asked to return from the scene while documenting a law enforcement operation. Walz said he was told he would be charged with obstruction.
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Tim Walz photographed next to ICE (Getty Images/ICE)
He said a person named “Mubashir” was also chased, beaten and handcuffed before being taken into custody, despite stating his citizenship status.
The governor said those who document law enforcement activities “play an important role in maintaining transparency, accountability and protecting civil liberties in Minnesota.”
Immigration officials said individuals are free to monitor and film law enforcement operations, but anyone who obstructs authorities from doing their job could face arrest.
In his letter, Walz called on Noem to review recent arrests by federal agents, ensure there is a judicial order authorizing the detention or seizure, and clarify the legal standard by which a citizen can exercise their rights to document and witness “aggressive law enforcement actions.”
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He also asked to ensure that ICE agents operating in Minnesota receive guidance and training on respecting the civil rights of U.S. citizens and residents.
