Gov. Tim Walz has asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to reassess ICE enforcement tactics in Minnesota after reports that U.S. citizens were detained while filming or going about daily life during federal immigration operations. Walz said the incidents raise civil liberties and due-process concerns and damage trust between communities and federal authorities. He requested a review of warrants and legal standards, and called for guidance and training to ensure agents respect constitutional rights.
Gov. Tim Walz Urges DHS Secretary Kristi Noem To Reassess ICE Tactics After Alleged Citizen Detentions
Dec 11
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to "reassess" her enforcement strategy following the arrest of U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has asked Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to "reassess" federal immigration enforcement tactics after multiple reports that U.S. citizens were detained during ICE operations in Minneapolis. In a letter and a public statement, Walz expressed deep concern about incidents in which citizens say they were documenting federal activity or simply going about daily life when they were stopped by agents.
Concerns Over Civil Liberties And Community Trust
Walz wrote that the incidents raise "serious questions, not only about due process and the rights of U.S. citizens, but also about trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities." He added that Minnesotans have long valued civic engagement and that detaining people who are lawfully observing or documenting government activity sends "a deeply disturbing message."
Specific Allegations Cited
The governor cited two alleged incidents. In one, a woman identified only as "Sue" was reportedly pushed, handcuffed and taken to a federal facility after she refused an order to move back while filming an operation; she was reportedly told she would be charged with obstruction. In another case, a man named "Mubashir" was allegedly chased, tackled and detained despite stating his U.S. citizenship.
Tim Walz and ICE agents
"This troubling pattern raised serious questions, not only about due process and the rights of U.S. citizens, but also about trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities," Walz wrote.
Requests To Federal Authorities
Walz asked Secretary Noem to review recent arrests to confirm that agents had judicial warrants authorizing any detention or seizure, and to clarify the legal standard for when a citizen can lawfully document and observe aggressive law enforcement actions. He also requested that ICE agents operating in Minnesota receive guidance and training on respecting the civil rights of U.S. citizens and residents.
Immigration officials contend that members of the public are generally free to watch and film law enforcement actions, but that anyone who obstructs agents carrying out their duties may face arrest. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for comment.
Broader Context
Walz framed his appeal as part of a wider concern about enforcement practices amid a heightened federal immigration enforcement posture. He warned that "forcefulness, lack of communication and unlawful practices" by federal agents will not be tolerated in Minnesota and urged a reassessment of the broader enforcement strategy.
