Latin Kings Gang Member Arrested for Stealing FBI Equipment Amid Minneapolis Unrest
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Federal authorities arrested Raul Gutierrez, a member of the Latin Kings gang, after he allegedly vandalized FBI vehicles and stole government property during unrest in Minneapolis on Wednesday night. The disturbances erupted in the wake of multiple shootings involving agents from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking protests and chaotic scenes in the city.
According to an official statement from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, several federal vehicles were broken into and damaged while agents were responding to a reported assault on a federal officer. Among the stolen items were FBI-issued body armor and weapons, critical equipment intended to protect law enforcement personnel during high-risk operations. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the arrest of Gutierrez, 33, highlighting his violent criminal history and affiliation with the Latin Kings gang.
The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), who worked jointly to apprehend Gutierrez on Thursday. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of the theft, noting that the removal of such protective gear and firearms from federal custody poses significant risks to public safety and law enforcement officers alike.
The unrest in Minneapolis followed a series of incidents involving ICE agents, which have ignited tensions between federal agencies and local communities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under which ICE operates, has reported increased hostility toward federal officers, including assaults and vandalism targeting government property. DHS officials have condemned these actions, stressing the importance of maintaining order and protecting federal personnel.
Local law enforcement agencies have also been involved in managing the protests and ensuring public safety amid the volatile environment. The Minneapolis Police Department, alongside federal agents, has been navigating complex challenges as demonstrations continue to draw attention to immigration enforcement policies and community relations.
Gutierrez’s arrest underscores the ongoing concerns about organized criminal elements exploiting moments of civil unrest to commit crimes against federal institutions. The FBI has reiterated its commitment to investigating and prosecuting such offenses to uphold the rule of law and safeguard government assets.
This incident adds to a growing list of confrontations between federal agencies and protesters in Minneapolis, highlighting the broader national debate over immigration enforcement and federal authority. As the investigation proceeds, authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity related to federal property or personnel.
For more information on federal law enforcement operations and updates on related incidents, visit the Department of Justice and FBI official websites.
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