Border Patrol Agents Harassed by Agitators at Minneapolis Gas Stations, DHS Reports
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Federal Border Patrol agents operating in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area have faced escalating harassment from anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The confrontations reportedly occurred at multiple gas stations where agents stopped to take routine bathroom breaks, prompting concerns over safety and operational interference.
In a statement posted on the DHS official X (formerly Twitter) account, officials described how “hostile crowds” repeatedly harassed and blocked agents attempting to use restrooms. At each stop, groups of agitators appeared, yelling at the agents and stalking them, with some individuals attempting to prevent law enforcement vehicles from leaving the premises. This behavior created unsafe conditions for federal personnel carrying out their duties.
At one gas station, the situation escalated when members of the crowd threw food at the agents. During the final stop, an agent was reportedly spat upon by someone in the crowd. These incidents underscore the challenges faced by federal immigration officers in the region, where tensions surrounding immigration enforcement remain high.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and Border Patrol operations, has expressed concern about the safety of its agents amid these hostile encounters. The agency emphasized the importance of allowing federal officers to perform their duties without interference or intimidation.
Immigration enforcement in Minnesota has been a contentious issue, with local activists and some city officials opposing aggressive ICE actions. This friction has occasionally led to protests and demonstrations targeting federal agents. According to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, such disruptions can hinder law enforcement’s ability to effectively manage immigration-related operations.
President Donald Trump highlighted related enforcement efforts during a White House briefing earlier this week, noting the removal of criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota streets. The administration has maintained a firm stance on immigration enforcement, despite local opposition.
These recent incidents at Minneapolis gas stations illustrate the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and segments of the local population. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which works closely with Border Patrol, continues to monitor the situation to ensure the safety and security of its personnel.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues nationwide, the Department of Justice and DHS have urged cooperation between federal, state, and local officials to uphold the rule of law while balancing community concerns. The Department of Justice has previously called for respectful engagement with law enforcement to prevent escalation and protect civil rights.
The DHS has not announced any specific measures in response to these recent incidents but is expected to review security protocols for agents operating in areas with known opposition. Meanwhile, the agency continues to advocate for the safety of its personnel amid increasingly hostile environments.
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