Police in Minnesota initiated arrests of anti-ICE demonstrators outside a hotel on Monday, labeling the protests as “no longer considered peaceful.” Officers declared an unlawful assembly after tensions escalated.
The protests took place outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, as attendees believed U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was present there. This follows increased scrutiny on immigration enforcement in the city, particularly after a recent fatal incident involving Border Patrol operations.
President Trump stated that Bovino and several agents would be exiting Minneapolis amid rising bipartisan criticism. Border operations will now be overseen by Tom Homan, who is expected to lead efforts in the state moving forward.
Maple Grove Police responded to reports of the protest, which escalated when some participants allegedly started throwing items at officers and damaging property. Following the declaration of an unlawful assembly, several individuals were arrested for refusing to disperse.
A police spokesperson emphasized that while they support the First Amendment right to peaceful assembly, actions that turn criminal do not receive that protection. The spokesperson noted, “At that point, this activity was no longer considered peaceful,” and emphasized the safety of everyone in the community.
The protest drew response assistance from multiple agencies, including the Minnesota State Patrol, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, and others. This intervention occurred as Bovino faced backlash concerning unverified claims about an American, Alex Preti, who was shot by Border Patrol agents while recording a federal immigration operation. Preti was trying to assist a colleague who had collapsed when the situation turned deadly.
There are reports indicating that Bovino might have been relieved from his command position, though a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security maintained that he was still a crucial part of the president’s team. Additionally, it was suggested that Bovino has lost access to his social media accounts, except for public interactions.
White House representatives have distanced themselves from previous remarks made by Homeland Security officials, with press secretary Caroline Leavitt stating she had never heard the president label Preti in negative terms. This incident follows a string of violence related to immigration enforcement in the area.
