Tear gas was deployed close to a CNN reporter at an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis, causing him to cough and exclaim, “Wow, this is terrible.”
Simon Prokpech, CNN’s senior crime and justice correspondent, was reporting live outside the Whipple Center, a federal building that contains an ICE facility where federal agents were apparently facing off against demonstrators.
Prokpech noted, “For the last couple of hours, we’ve seen protesters kicking and throwing things at cars, while federal law enforcement stood by doing nothing.” As a loud crack signaled the use of tear gas just a few feet from him, he mentioned, “I didn’t do anything,” as gas began to fill the air.
“Let’s get back here for a moment. As you can see, they’re basically just deploying tear gas right now, and… what’s happening?” he added, gradually backing away from the scene.
Amid shouts from the crowd dispersing, Prokpech continued coughing and urged his cameraman to follow as he moved further from the gas.
“We’re with you, Simon,” Coates said from the studio, acknowledging the chaotic situation. “I can tell you’re trying to catch your breath.” Prokpech had several bouts of coughing as he elaborated that federal agents had thrown percussion grenades into the crowd.
“There weren’t many people present,” he said, stopping to cough again, “But Laura, what’s going on?” before coughing once more.
“Wow, this is terrible,” Prokpech reiterated about the tear gas situation.
Coates intervened, allowing Prokpech a brief reprieve while discussing the tear gas deployment. “Hold your breath for a second. We’re with you,” he advised, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
“Hang on a moment, because what they deployed is clearly interfering with your ability to breathe and speak. It’s intense,” Coates remarked.
Protests have escalated throughout Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by an ICE officer last week.
Additionally, an illegal Venezuelan immigrant recently shot himself in the leg and injured a police officer after allegedly fleeing during a traffic stop, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration initiated a major immigration enforcement operation in the region, deploying approximately 2,000 federal agents to the Minneapolis area.
The Post has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further comments.
