DHS Denies ICE Contractor Arrested in Prostitution Sting

Department says individual has 'no affiliation with ICE' despite police claims

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has denied that an individual contracted to conduct background checks for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was arrested during a Minneapolis prostitution sting. A Bloomington police official had claimed the man was an ICE contractor, but DHS says he has 'no affiliation with ICE'.

Why it matters

The arrest comes amid growing scrutiny of ICE's tactics, including criticism over the fatal shootings of two American citizens in Minneapolis in January. The incident has further fueled the debate over ICE's role and operations.

The details

According to the Bloomington police, the man arrested, Brashad Johnson, was in possession of a Department of Defense identification card indicating he was authorized to conduct federal background investigations. However, DHS has denied any connection between Johnson and ICE, stating 'This individual is NOT an ICE employee or contractor'.

  • On February 11, 2026, the arrest took place during a prostitution sting operation in Bloomington, Minnesota.
  • In January 2026, two American citizens were fatally shot in Minneapolis, further intensifying scrutiny of ICE tactics.

The players

Brashad Johnson

An individual arrested during a prostitution sting in Bloomington, Minnesota, who was allegedly in possession of a Department of Defense identification card indicating he conducted federal background investigations.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that denied any affiliation between the arrested individual and ICE, stating 'This individual is NOT an ICE employee or contractor'.

Bloomington Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that conducted the prostitution sting operation and claimed the arrested individual was an ICE contractor.

Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti

Two American citizens who were fatally shot in Minneapolis in January 2026, further intensifying scrutiny of ICE tactics.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency facing growing scrutiny over its tactics and operations.

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What they’re saying

“'This individual is NOT an ICE employee or contractor. He has no affiliation with ICE. This is just another smear peddled by sanctuary politicians and the media leading to a 1,300% increase in assaults against our brave ICE law enforcement.'”

— Department of Homeland Security spokesperson (Newsweek)

“'At the time of arrest the individual was in possession of United States of America Department of Defense identification card that indicated he was a contractor that was authorized to conduct federal background investigations. We confirmed this with the Federal Government.'”

— Bloomington Police Department spokesperson (Newsweek)

“'The federal government has a certain agency that does all their backgrounds, the Department of Defense, he works for them. So he does all the ICE backgrounds, HSI backgrounds, FBI, whenever anyone needs a security clearance, he's one of the people who does it. Not just specific to ICE, other federal agencies also.'”

— Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges (KMSP-TV)

“'Thank you to Minnesota's local law enforcement for keeping our communities safe and getting the worst of the worst off our streets.'”

— Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota (X)

What’s next

It's unclear when the arrested individual, Brashad Johnson, will appear in court. Meanwhile, the debate over ICE's tactics and operations is expected to continue, with lawmakers divided over the agency's funding.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and conflicting narratives surrounding ICE's role and tactics, with local law enforcement and federal agencies offering differing accounts of the arrested individual's affiliation. The case underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the immigration enforcement system.