Minnesota College Administrator Accused of Obstructing ICE Arrest of Registered Sex Offender
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A controversy has erupted at Augsburg University after federal authorities accused a college administrator and campus security of obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during the arrest of Jesus Saucedo-Portillo, a student and registered sex offender. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Saucedo-Portillo is an illegal immigrant with a prior conviction for driving while intoxicated, and was apprehended Monday night on campus.
Federal agents reported that when they arrived with a warrant to arrest Saucedo-Portillo, a university administrator and campus security personnel actively blocked their efforts. “Our officers told the school administrator and campus security that ICE had a warrant for the illegal alien’s arrest,” DHS officials said in a statement. “The school administrator told ICE officers they were violating university policies.”
Despite repeated warnings that federal law supersedes university regulations, the administrator allegedly instructed campus security to physically block the ICE vehicle from leaving the premises, an act that DHS characterized as obstruction of justice. ICE agents then employed minimal force to clear the area and successfully completed the arrest.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from immigration enforcement advocates who highlight the dangers of harboring individuals with serious criminal records. Saucedo-Portillo’s status as a registered sex offender and his previous conviction for driving while intoxicated underscore the risks federal authorities seek to mitigate through enforcement actions. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency routinely targets individuals who pose threats to public safety, particularly those with criminal histories.
In contrast, Augsburg University President Paul Pribbenow defended the campus response in an interview with Minnesota Public Radio. He disputed the legality of the arrest, claiming ICE lacked a valid warrant and that agents drew weapons on staff and students who had gathered near the scene. Pribbenow also praised students who participated in the anti-ICE demonstration, stating that campus security activated a protocol designed to respond when ICE is present on campus.
The clash highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration authorities and institutions that have adopted sanctuary policies or otherwise resist cooperation with ICE. Such conflicts have become increasingly common nationwide, prompting debate over the balance between campus safety, immigration enforcement, and civil liberties.
Legal experts note that federal law generally preempts local policies when it comes to immigration enforcement, and obstruction of ICE operations can carry serious consequences. The U.S. Department of Justice has emphasized the importance of cooperation with federal agents, especially in cases involving individuals with criminal convictions.
This incident at Augsburg University also raises questions about the responsibilities of educational institutions in handling students with criminal backgrounds, particularly those related to sexual offenses. Advocates for campus safety stress the need for transparency and collaboration with law enforcement to protect vulnerable populations.
As the investigation continues, DHS and ICE officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing immigration laws while respecting constitutional rights. The department’s public statement and release of Saucedo-Portillo’s mugshot aim to underscore the seriousness of the case and the challenges faced by federal agents in carrying out their duties.
For more information on federal immigration enforcement policies and campus cooperation guidelines, visit the ICE official website and the DHS immigration enforcement page.
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