Anti-ICE Protesters Arrested in Minnesota After Police Declare Unlawful Assembly
MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Law enforcement officials arrested several anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters Monday evening outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, Minnesota, after the demonstration escalated and was declared an unlawful assembly. Authorities said the crowd, gathered in opposition to immigration enforcement efforts, began throwing objects at officers and refused to disperse, prompting police to take action.
The protest centered around the presence of U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, who was believed to be staying at the hotel. Bovino has been a key figure in the Minneapolis immigration crackdown, which has drawn bipartisan scrutiny following a recent incident where Border Patrol agents fatally shot an American citizen recording their activities. President Donald Trump announced a leadership reshuffle in the region, including Bovino’s planned departure, as part of a broader effort to intensify immigration enforcement.
Police officials described the gathering as “no longer considered peaceful,” leading to the declaration of an unlawful assembly, a move that removes First Amendment protections for the demonstrators. Officers conducted arrests after protesters reportedly threw items at law enforcement personnel and ignored repeated orders to disperse.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, where immigration enforcement operations have been met with fierce resistance from activists and community members. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been closely involved in overseeing these efforts, with Border czar Tom Homan expected to assume command of the operation following Bovino’s exit.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has faced mounting pressure to balance enforcement with community relations amid protests and legal challenges. The recent unrest in Minnesota reflects a broader national debate over immigration policy and enforcement tactics.
Local law enforcement agencies coordinated with federal officers to manage the demonstration and maintain public safety. The Maple Grove Police Department emphasized their commitment to protecting constitutional rights while enforcing the law, noting that the decision to declare the assembly unlawful was based on the demonstrators’ aggressive behavior and refusal to comply with lawful orders.
Advocacy groups critical of ICE’s operations have condemned the arrests, arguing that the protests are a vital expression of dissent against what they characterize as unjust immigration policies. Meanwhile, supporters of the enforcement actions highlight the need for law and order amid what some officials describe as “mob mentality” endangering officers.
The incident follows a series of protests and confrontations in Minneapolis related to immigration enforcement, including a recent fatal shooting involving Border Patrol agents. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has been under intense scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability from various quarters.
As Minnesota navigates these complex issues, federal and local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. The arrests at the Maple Grove hotel mark the latest flashpoint in a contentious and ongoing national conversation about immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and public safety.
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