Minnesota State Police started making arrests outside a hotel on Monday as protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) escalated to a level deemed unlawful by authorities.
The demonstrations were taking place outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove, where protesters believed U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was staying.
This action followed President Donald Trump’s announcement that Bovino and several agents would be leaving Minneapolis amidst increasing bipartisan scrutiny related to immigration enforcement. This happened shortly after the killing involving U.S. Border Patrol agents drew attention.
Tom Homan, the border czar, is expected to take charge of initiatives in the state moving forward.
According to Maple Grove Police, the situation intensified after some protestors allegedly began throwing objects and damaging property. As a result, officers declared an unlawful assembly and ordered people to disperse, leading to multiple arrests.
A spokesperson for the Maple Grove Police stated that while they uphold the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully assemble, the priority remains the safety of the community, noting that criminal actions would not be protected by the First Amendment.
A number of support agencies, including the Minnesota State Patrol and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, responded to assist with the situation.
The decision to remove Bovino from Minneapolis followed backlash related to unverified claims linking the recent shooting of Alex Preti, a 37-year-old American, to a supposed agenda against law enforcement, a narrative the president has distanced himself from.
Preti was shot by a Border Patrol agent while documenting a federal immigration operation. He was reported to have been attempting to aid a female agent when the incident escalated, resulting in his death.
There are conflicting reports about Bovino’s status; some suggest he has been relieved of command, yet a spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security maintains he remains a significant part of the team and has not lost his duties.
Additionally, it appears Bovino has been stripped of access to his social media accounts aside from public comments.
The White House has also sought to clarify its stance, distancing itself from statements made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Adviser Stephen Miller regarding Preti, with Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt affirming she hadn’t heard the president use such language.
This shooting follows other recent violent incidents involving ICE, including the death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis earlier this month.
