Minneapolis Police Chief Condemns ICE Agent’s Forceful Arrest of Pregnant Woman
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — A video capturing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent kneeling on the back of a pregnant woman and dragging her through a Minneapolis street has drawn sharp condemnation from local law enforcement and civil rights advocates alike. The disturbing footage, recorded on December 15 in a predominantly Somali neighborhood, shows bystanders pleading with federal agents to release the woman, warning that she was pregnant and struggling to breathe.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the incident at a press conference on December 17, describing the scene as “profoundly disturbing” and expressing concern over what he characterized as a troubling lack of restraint by federal officers. According to Chief O’Hara, Minneapolis police were called to assist ICE agents who reported needing backup. Upon arrival, however, local officers found no violence against federal personnel and quickly disengaged, citing the absence of immediate threats.
“We have been training our officers for the last five years very, very intensely on de-escalation,” O’Hara said. “But unfortunately, that is not, that is often not what we are seeing from other agencies in the city.” He further criticized the federal agents’ tactics as an “egregious disregard for human dignity,” and lamented the apparent lack of accountability from federal partners.
The woman in question was reportedly released after the incident. The video, captured by Lauryn Spencer who was driving nearby, shows an ICE agent kneeling on the woman’s back in the snow before dragging her by one arm toward a vehicle. Witnesses can be heard shouting, “Let her go! Let her go!” as the agent continues the arrest.
Spencer recounted that she heard whistles and honking—signals sometimes used by community members to alert others of ICE activity—and immediately stopped to document the scene. When she attempted to speak with the woman being detained, an agent pushed her back.
This incident has reignited debate over the enforcement methods employed by ICE, an agency under the Department of Homeland Security. Critics argue that aggressive tactics in immigrant communities, especially those involving vulnerable individuals, exacerbate fear and distrust. The American Civil Liberties Union has frequently called for reforms to ensure that immigration enforcement respects human rights and dignity.
Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, where the incident occurred, is home to a large Somali immigrant population. Community activists have previously confronted ICE agents over aggressive enforcement actions, highlighting tensions between federal immigration authorities and local residents. The incident follows other recent controversies involving ICE operations in immigrant neighborhoods nationwide.
The Minneapolis Police Department’s response underscores the challenges of coordinating law enforcement efforts across federal and local agencies. While local officers emphasize de-escalation and community trust, federal immigration enforcement often operates under different mandates and protocols. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection and ICE have faced scrutiny for their use of force and arrest procedures in recent years.
As the public reaction grows, calls for increased oversight and transparency of ICE activities have intensified. Chief O’Hara’s condemnation adds to mounting pressure on federal agencies to review their operational tactics and ensure accountability. Meanwhile, community leaders continue to advocate for policies that protect the rights and safety of immigrants, especially those who are pregnant or otherwise vulnerable.
Federal officials have yet to release a detailed statement regarding the incident. The video and accompanying reports have been widely circulated on social media and news platforms, prompting renewed discussions about immigration enforcement practices in the United States.
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