Minneapolis Police Chief Speaks Out Against ICE Actions

A recent incident in Minneapolis has sparked criticism from the city's police chief.

Brian O'Hara, the Minneapolis Police Chief, has expressed his disapproval of the tactics used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a recent arrest.

The incident, which took place on a snowy day, involved a woman being dragged by ICE agents. Bystanders reacted strongly, shouting and throwing snowballs. One federal officer even drew his gun and pointed it at the crowd, as seen in video footage.

O'Hara highlighted the contrast between his department's training and the actions of ICE.

He mentioned that Minneapolis police have been intensively trained in de-escalation techniques over the past five years. However, he noted that these methods are often not employed by other agencies operating in the city.

The incident occurred amidst increased immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities, a policy pushed by the Trump administration. President Trump has made controversial remarks about Somali immigrants in the area, calling them "garbage" and suggesting they should be deported. This statement came after several people, including Somali immigrants, were charged in a fraud scheme.

Democrats in Minnesota have also criticized the intensified ICE activities.

O'Hara has previously stated that ICE's tactics, such as wearing masks and unmarked clothing, are causing fear among the community. In response to the incident, ICE released a statement claiming that two U.S. citizens were arrested for assaulting federal officers.

O'Hara clarified that the scene was under control when Minneapolis police arrived. Once it was confirmed that there was no ongoing violence, his officers withdrew from the scene. This incident raises questions about the methods used by ICE and their impact on community relations.