Federal Agents Arrest Activists Following Immigration Enforcement in Minneapolis

Tensions rise as federal agents conduct more targeted arrests, leading to confrontation with activists

Feb. 3, 2026 at 3:39pm

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Federal immigration agents with guns drawn arrested several activists who were trailing their vehicles in Minneapolis on Tuesday. The arrests come amid increased targeted immigration enforcement in the city, with federal agents conducting more arrests at homes and neighborhoods rather than in public parking lots. Activists have been trying to track the movements of federal agents, leading to confrontations.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local activist groups in Minneapolis, which has been a focal point for immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration. The arrests also raise questions about the limits of how activists can legally monitor and follow federal agents conducting enforcement actions.

The details

Federal immigration agents with guns drawn arrested several activists who were trailing their vehicles through south Minneapolis on Tuesday. At least one person wearing anti-ICE clothing was handcuffed and forced to the ground. The agents told reporters at the scene to stay back and threatened to use pepper spray. This comes as federal agents have been conducting more targeted immigration arrests at homes and neighborhoods in the Twin Cities, rather than staging in public parking lots as they had previously done. Activists have been trying to track the movements of federal agents, leading to the confrontation.

  • On Tuesday, federal immigration agents arrested activists who were following their vehicles in Minneapolis.
  • Last month, a federal judge put limits on how officers can treat motorists who are following them, but an appeals court later set that order aside.

The players

Greg Bovino

A Border Patrol commander who was leading an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis and other big U.S. cities, but left town last week.

Tom Homan

A Trump administration border czar who was dispatched to Minnesota after Bovino's departure, warning that protesters could face consequences if they interfere with officers.

Jacob Frey

The Democratic mayor of Minneapolis, whose office was subpoenaed as part of a federal grand jury investigation into whether Minnesota officials obstructed immigration enforcement.

Ilhan Omar

A Democratic U.S. Representative who was the target of an assault by a man charged with squirting apple cider vinegar on her.

Anthony Kazmierczak

The man charged with assaulting Representative Ilhan Omar, who was denied bond by a federal judge.

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What they’re saying

“We have done nothing wrong and have nothing to hide, but when the federal government weaponizes the criminal justice system against political opponents, it's important to stand up and fight back.”

— Ally Peters, Spokesperson for Mayor Jacob Frey (cbsnews.com)

“We simply cannot have protesters and people — whatever side of the aisle they're on — running up to representatives who are conducting official business, and holding town halls, and assaulting them.”

— Benjamin Bejar, Assistant U.S. Attorney (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case against Anthony Kazmierczak will decide on whether to grant him bond at a future hearing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local activist groups in Minneapolis, as well as the legal and ethical questions around how activists can monitor and respond to immigration enforcement actions without crossing the line into obstruction or confrontation.