It was a false alarm.
A protest in Minneapolis erupted into chaos after federal agents clashed with demonstrators, following widespread misinformation circulated on social media by some elected officials. Tensions escalated on Tuesday when federal officers, including those from the ATF, were seen engaging physically with protesters. State Senator Omar Fateh posted online alleging the presence of multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies involved in an immigration-related operation, prompting a strong public reaction.
Contrary to these claims, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey clarified that the law enforcement activity was tied to a criminal investigation involving narcotics and money laundering at a local Mexican restaurant. He emphasized that the operation had no connection to immigration enforcement and no arrests were made during the search. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt criticized the social media posts by public officials, calling them “highly irresponsible” and warning that such misinformation could dangerously inflame tensions and mislead the community.
Witt further explained that the event was a lawful criminal investigation and not an immigration raid, adding that her office does not take part in immigration enforcement. She urged elected leaders to verify information before making public statements and to avoid spreading rhetoric that could potentially endanger the public. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara echoed these concerns, noting that when misinformation spreads, everyone suffers—especially the community left to deal with the aftermath.
The scene grew more volatile as federal agents attempted to leave the area, with videos capturing intense exchanges and physical altercations. Protesters shouted at officers, and in one instance, an ATF agent was seen forcefully removing a demonstrator who blocked a vehicle’s path. O’Hara described the situation as dangerous and said it reflected the breakdown in trust and communication between officials and the public.
In response to the incident, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations division stated that the operation was part of a broader Homeland Security Task Force initiative targeting serious criminal threats, including drug trafficking and labor exploitation. Officials emphasized the collaborative nature of the investigation and urged the public to distinguish between legitimate law enforcement activity and politically charged speculation.
