More than 50 protesters were arrested during anti-ICE protests in Minneapolis
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At least 54 people were arrested Sunday during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, law enforcement officials said.
The County Sheriff’s Office said 38 people were cited and released, while one was jailed. The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed 15 additional arrests.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the County Sheriff’s Office said deputies issued a dispersal order after protesters blocked roads and entered local businesses, broke glass on the street, and threw rocks, ice cubes and water bottles at law enforcement.
“This morning, our deputies issued orders to disperse an illegal gathering outside the Whipple Building after people blocked roads, blocked access to local businesses, threw glass in the street, threw rocks, ice cubes and water bottles at law enforcement creating a serious threat to public safety,” the County Sheriff’s Office wrote. “It’s being arrested.”
At least 54 people were reportedly arrested Sunday during anti-ICE protests outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images)
Officials stressed that peaceful protests are constitutionally protected, but criminal behavior will not be tolerated.
“Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly is a right,” the sheriff’s office said. “Putting the public at risk is not. Illegal actions including blocking roads, deliberately causing accidents and abusive behavior will not be tolerated.”
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The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office wrote that “unlawful activities including blocking roads, intentionally causing accidents and abusive behavior will not be tolerated.” (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images)
The demonstration marked the culmination of a week-long campaign called “Bring the Heat, Melt the ICE,” organized by activists against ICE operations.
Activists are holding a series of events focused on fighting immigration enforcement and calling for an end to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to its website.
The protest comes amid widespread anti-ICE protests in Minnesota and across the country, following multiple shootings involving immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year, including the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.
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The protest comes amid a broader wave of anti-ICE activity in Minnesota. (Kerem Yucel/AFP via Getty Images)
The unrest also comes after a political standoff in Washington, where Congressional Democrats blocked DHS funding for more than two weeks in an effort to push for ICE reforms.
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The County Sheriff’s Office and DHS were not immediately available for comment.
Fox News’ Patrick McGovern and Fox News Digital’s Alex Miller contributed to this report.
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