Protest Outside Minneapolis Hotel Turns Chaotic; Several Arrested

A chaotic protest erupted outside a Minneapolis hotel where federal agents were believed to be staying, leading to the arrest of at least 26 demonstrators. This incident occurred at the Spring Hill Suites in Maple Grove on Monday night, as protesters began damaging property and clashing with law enforcement.

Among those arrested was 37-year-old Justin Neil Shelton from St. Paul, who faces charges of obstructing a legal proceeding. Shelton’s criminal history goes back to 2007, when he was convicted of assaulting a pregnant woman in an attempt to steal her car. During that attack, he and an accomplice knocked her down and assaulted her severely.

He received a five-year prison sentence for that incident and, in 2020, faced further charges for possessing a firearm after committing a violent crime.

Another individual arrested, 45-year-old Abraham Nelson Coleman, was charged with vandalism outside the hotel. Coleman’s criminal record includes multiple convictions for theft and vandalism dating back to 2003.

Some individuals expressed their support for the anti-ICE demonstrations. Among them was 21-year-old Rayna Michelle Alston, who has been vocal on social media about the need for disruption and resistance against ICE protests across the nation. She was also arrested during the chaos and has previously called for a nationwide shutdown.

Law enforcement indicated that the protest became classified as an unlawful assembly due to the violence and property destruction that occurred. Police stated that a dispersal order was issued, giving individuals clear instructions to leave.

The Maple Grove Police Department acknowledged that federal agents were indeed staying at the hotel and emphasized that the safety of the community and hotel patrons was their top priority. They reiterated their commitment to respect First Amendment rights but made it clear that violence and property damage would not be tolerated.