Parents Criticized for Bringing 7-Year-Old to Anti-ICE Riot

Child suffers after being exposed to pepper spray at protest

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:47pm

A disturbing video has emerged showing a 7-year-old girl screaming in pain after being hit with pepper spray at an anti-ICE riot in Minneapolis. The child's parents were reportedly coaching her on how to participate in the protest, drawing widespread condemnation for endangering their young daughter.

Why it matters

Bringing children to high-risk protest situations raises serious concerns about child endangerment and the potential for long-term trauma. Anti-ICE demonstrations have a history of escalating into violent clashes, making them inappropriate environments for minors.

The details

The viral video shows the young girl crying out "It's burning!" as adults try to rinse her eyes. According to reports, the parents were instructing the child on how to engage in the riot activities.

  • The incident occurred on February 1, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The players

7-year-old girl

A young child who was brought by her parents to an anti-ICE protest and suffered after being exposed to pepper spray.

Parents

The adults who brought their 7-year-old daughter to the high-risk protest situation, reportedly coaching her on how to participate.

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What they’re saying

“HOLY CRAP. Leftist parents hauled their 7-year-old CHILD to an anti-ICE riot, the kid got sprayed in the eye, and she's in excruciating pain. They're COACHING her on how to engage in riots at 7. These parents need a visit from the police.”

— Eric Daugherty, Journalist (Twitter)

The takeaway

This disturbing incident highlights the dangers of exposing children to volatile protest situations, and raises serious questions about the judgment and priorities of the parents involved in this case.