Minnesota Police Chiefs Say ICE Agents Stopped Local Cops, Asked for Citizenship Proof
Brooklyn Park, MN — Police chiefs across the Twin Cities confirmed today that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have stopped, questioned and harassed local residents — including off-duty police officers — during ongoing federal immigration enforcement operations in Hennepin County.
Chief Mark Bruley of the Brooklyn Park Police Department said his own officers of color have been approached by ICE agents who boxed in their vehicles and demanded proof of legal residence, even after the officers identified themselves as citizens. One officer’s phone was knocked out of her hand while recording the encounter, he said.
The claims are emerging amid a larger federal immigration surge in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area that has drawn both protests and legal scrutiny. Local law enforcement officials, including Hennepin County leaders, reported numerous civilian complaints about racial profiling and harassment during stops tied to federal operations.
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These incidents raise tensions between local authorities and federal immigration agents operating under “Operation Metro Surge,” an aggressive enforcement campaign in Minnesota. Chief Bruley emphasized that immigration enforcement is a lawful function but insists that federal officers must be held to constitutional standards when interacting with community members.
“The last two weeks we as a law enforcement community have been receiving endless complaints about civil rights violations,” Bruley said in his statement.
The matter gains urgency as local leaders seek oversight measures and clearer communication between agencies.
Local residents and civil rights advocates say the reported stops have eroded trust, particularly in immigrant communities concerned about racial profiling and federal authority.
Federal agencies have not yet responded publicly to these specific allegations. Law enforcement leaders expect discussions on oversight and policy reforms to continue this week.
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