Protests in South Minneapolis Following Federal Law Enforcement Presence

June 3rd, 2025

MINNEAPOLIS— Early Tuesday afternoon, the heavy presence of federal law enforcement officials in South Minneapolis sparked protests from concerned community members. 

Enforcement agents from the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Department of Homeland Security congregated at Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue. The officials arrived in tactical vehicles and were seen heavily armed and wearing protective gear. 

According to a witness, “This morning, we saw federal agents saying there was a hostage or terror[ist] situation when, in fact, ICE was checking out Las Cuatros Milpas. Protesters are now in the area. MPD and sheriffs are also there.”

The community quickly gathered near the growing crowd of enforcement agents and began to protest their presence. Many expressed worry about a possible immigration sweep, as the current administration has been cracking down on federal immigration enforcement nationwide. However, the sheriff’s office and Mayor Frey reported that the incident “was not related to any immigration enforcement.” Witnesses were skeptical, insisting they saw agents with ICE badges at the scene. 

According to the sheriff’s office, they were partnering with federal agencies to execute a series of multi-location search warrants. In a statement, Mayor Frey elaborated that the operation “was related to a criminal search warrant for drugs and money laundering.” Leaders at the Minneapolis Police Department say they were given no notice about the operation, and only responded to the area when the incident began to develop. The mayor stated that the raid did not result in any arrests. 

Community members, activists, and several Minneapolis City Council members, including Jason Chavez and Aisha Chughtai, as well as candidates Jazz Hampton, Omar Fateh, and DeWayne Davis, were present at the scene. Witnesses and bystanders reported that at least one enforcement officer appeared to deploy a chemical irritant in the area of the protesters.  

Article by On Site Public Media Staff

Photo by Jason Chavez