A federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota has resulted in the arrest of over 2,400 individuals in recent weeks, with approximately 3,000 federal agents reportedly involved or en route to the region. The operation has led to significant community concerns, particularly regarding its impact on children and families, with reports of increased stress among minors and altered daily routines. Many arrested individuals have been transferred to out-of-state detention centers or removed from the country.
Overview of Enforcement Activities
The enforcement operation has seen arrests occur in various locations, including homes, workplaces, stores, restaurants, outside schools, and places of worship. Local leaders and lawyers representing immigrants have stated that some individuals with valid visas and legal status were arrested. The Guardian confirmed arrests of refugees with legal status, following a stated re-examination of refugee cases by the administration.
Reported Community and Child Impacts
The increased enforcement activities have been reported to impact residents in the Twin Cities, including asylum seekers and families with U.S. citizen children, who have described restricting their outdoor activities due to fear of detention or confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
Specific incidents reported include:
- Chemical Irritant Use: Immigration officers reportedly used chemical irritants on a crowd that included students during school dismissal near a Minneapolis high school.
- Tear Gas Exposure: A family, including a 6-month-old baby, was exposed to tear gas in their car while navigating a protest. The infant was hospitalized following this incident.
- Child Detentions: Federal officers detained a 5-year-old boy in Columbia Heights, with lawyers alleging the child was used to draw out family members. Columbia Heights Public School District officials also reported the detention of three other students under 18 in recent weeks. The district's superintendent questioned the detention of a 5-year-old.
- Child Behavioral Changes: Pediatricians, counselors, and teachers have noted an increase in reported stress, trauma, anxiety, and depression among children. Behavioral manifestations reported include emotional outbursts, developmental regression such as bedwetting, and direct questions about safety and family separation.
- Community Fear: Parents, including those whose families are not directly at risk of deportation, reported their children experiencing fear and anger regarding the potential detention of classmates' parents. One account described a 9-year-old witnessing ICE agents remove a passenger from a car, leading to the child seeking refuge indoors due to fear.
Individual Cases Highlighted
Paulo Sosa Garcia and Ramona Cecilia Silva
Paulo Sosa Garcia and Ramona Cecilia Silva were arrested in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and subsequently detained in El Paso, Texas. They immigrated from Mexico in 1999 and were pursuing legal residency; their case had been approved five days prior to their detention. Their three daughters are currently raising funds for legal fees. Minimal contact has been maintained with their parents since January 12. Sosa Garcia and Silva are held separately at Camp East Montana at Fort Bliss, a facility where human rights groups have alleged physical abuse and unsafe conditions.
Tomas Martinez Gregorio
Tomas Martinez Gregorio was arrested in Brooklyn Park while driving his wife, Daisy Martinez, and their son to a hospital, resulting in his son missing a scheduled tonsillectomy appointment. Martinez and Gregorio were married in November; Gregorio is undocumented. They had reportedly avoided applying for status adjustment due to concerns about drawing attention from immigration enforcement. Agents initially cited a DUI on Gregorio's record, which an immigration agent later stated was incorrect. Daisy Martinez reported being tackled by agents when attempting to follow her husband. Gregorio was transferred to the ICE facility at Fort Snelling, then to a county jail in Sherburne County. His absence has reportedly resulted in financial difficulties for the family and affected Daisy Martinez's ability to work due to a pre-existing injury, which she states was exacerbated during the arrest. Daisy Martinez stated that she felt her U.S. citizenship was disregarded during the encounter.
Community Response
In response to these events, some community members have taken action, such as parents standing guard as children leave elementary schools. Some families reportedly continue to remain indoors, utilizing remote learning options for students and relying on neighbors for support.