Tension Rises at Minnesota Hospital Over ICE Claims About Immigrant's Injuries

Hospital staff dispute ICE's account of how a Mexican immigrant suffered severe head injuries while in custody.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal immigration officers claimed a Mexican immigrant named Alberto Castañeda Mondragón had tried to flee while handcuffed and 'purposefully ran headfirst into a brick wall,' resulting in severe injuries. However, hospital staff at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis determined that Castañeda Mondragón's fractures and brain bleeding could not have been caused by running into a wall. The incident has contributed to mounting friction between ICE agents and healthcare workers at the hospital.

Why it matters

The dispute over Castañeda Mondragón's injuries is the latest example of tensions between immigration enforcement and healthcare providers, as ICE agents have become a regular presence at the Minneapolis hospital, restraining patients, lingering on campus, and pressing people for proof of citizenship. This has led some hospital staff to feel intimidated and avoid interacting with the agents.

The details

Castañeda Mondragón, a 31-year-old Mexican immigrant, was arrested on January 8th near a St. Paul shopping center. Hours later, he was taken to a hospital emergency room with severe head injuries, including at least eight skull fractures and life-threatening brain hemorrhages. Hospital staff said his injuries were inconsistent with ICE's claim that he had run into a wall. The situation escalated when ICE insisted on shackling Castañeda Mondragón to his hospital bed, prompting a heated encounter with staff. A federal judge later ordered Castañeda Mondragón's release from ICE custody.

  • On January 8, Castañeda Mondragón was arrested near a St. Paul shopping center.
  • About four hours after his arrest, Castañeda Mondragón was taken to a hospital emergency room.
  • On January 16, a court filing described Castañeda Mondragón's condition as minimally responsive and heavily sedated.
  • On January 28, a U.S. District Court judge ordered Castañeda Mondragón's release from ICE custody.
  • On January 31, Castañeda Mondragón was discharged from the hospital.

The players

Alberto Castañeda Mondragón

A 31-year-old Mexican immigrant who suffered severe head injuries while in ICE custody, including at least eight skull fractures and life-threatening brain hemorrhages.

Gregorio Castañeda Mondragón

The brother of Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, who lives in Mexico and is concerned about paying for his brother's care and recovery.

Hennepin County Medical Center

The Minneapolis hospital where Castañeda Mondragón was treated, and where tensions have risen between hospital staff and ICE agents.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration agency whose officers have become a regular presence at the Minneapolis hospital, leading to conflicts with hospital staff.

Jeanette Boerner

The director of Hennepin County Adult Representation Services, which filed a lawsuit that led to Castañeda Mondragón's release from ICE custody.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was laughable, if there was something to laugh about. There was no way this person ran headfirst into a wall.”

— Unnamed nurse, Intensive care nurse

“We were basically trying to explain to ICE that this is how someone with a traumatic brain injury is — they're impulsive. We didn't think he was making a run for the door.”

— Unnamed nurse, Intensive care nurse

“He still doesn't remember things that happened. I think (he remembers) 20% of the 100% he had. It's sad that instead of having good memories of the United States, you're left with a bad taste in your mouth about that country because they're treating them like animals.”

— Gregorio Castañeda Mondragón

What’s next

The Justice Department has affirmed that Castañeda Mondragón is no longer in ICE custody, but it remains unclear if there will be any further investigation into the circumstances surrounding his injuries.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing tensions between immigration enforcement and healthcare providers, as ICE's aggressive tactics and presence in hospitals have led to distrust and discomfort among staff. It raises questions about the treatment of immigrants in custody and the need for greater oversight and accountability when it comes to interactions between law enforcement and vulnerable populations in medical settings.