Reports of ICE Agents Impersonating Workers Spark Fears in Minnesota

Legal observers say federal agents have been posing as construction workers, delivery drivers, and even anti-ICE activists to conduct immigration enforcement.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 11:31pm

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In Minnesota, legal observers and officials say they have received a growing number of reports of federal immigration agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers, and in some cases, anti-ICE activists. These tactics, known as 'ruses,' have heightened fears in a state already on edge, adding to concerns about the Trump administration's dramatic reshaping of immigration enforcement nationwide.

Why it matters

The use of these deceptive tactics by immigration authorities has eroded public trust and fueled confusion, with some residents now afraid that even routine utility workers or delivery people could be federal agents in disguise. This has led to a more dangerous environment, as the public becomes increasingly distrustful of government officials.

The details

Federal agents have been spotted leaving the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis in vehicles with stuffed animals on the dashboards or Mexican flag decals, as well as showing up to construction sites dressed as workers. In one incident, a restaurant owner confronted two men in utility worker uniforms who were parked outside his business, suspecting they were federal agents conducting surveillance. While the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement did not confirm the identities of the individuals, such encounters have become increasingly common.

  • In recent weeks, federal agents have repeatedly shown up to construction sites dressed as workers.
  • On January 13, an antiques dealer in Minneapolis received a call from a man identifying himself as a collector, then two men in street clothes entered the shop and began looking through the store's collection of vintage license plates.

The players

Luis Ramirez

A 31-year-old restaurant owner in suburban Minneapolis who confronted two men in utility worker uniforms parked outside his family's Mexican restaurant.

Candice Metrailer

An antiques dealer in south Minneapolis who believes she witnessed federal agents attempting to purchase vintage license plates for use in their undercover operations.

Scott Mechkowski

A former deputy director of ICE enforcement and operations in New York City who says he has not seen ICE agents disguise themselves as uniformed workers in the course of making arrests.

Naureen Shah

The director of immigration advocacy at the American Civil Liberties Union, who says the tactics used by federal agents in Minnesota are a 'more extreme degree' of deception than what has been seen in the past.

Jose Alvillar

A lead organizer for the local immigrant rights group Unidos MN, who says there has been an increase in 'cowboy tactics' by federal agents, including showing up to construction sites dressed as workers.

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What they’re saying

“If you have people afraid that the electrical worker outside their house might be ICE, you're inviting public distrust and confusion on a much more dangerous level. This is what you do if you're trying to control a populace, not trying to do routine, professional law enforcement.”

— Naureen Shah, Director of immigration advocacy, American Civil Liberties Union (Houston Chronicle)

“Of course agents are adapting their tactics so that they're a step ahead. We've never seen this level of obstruction and interference.”

— Scott Mechkowski, Former deputy director of ICE enforcement and operations in New York City (Houston Chronicle)

“Everybody is on edge about these guys, man. It feels like they're everywhere.”

— Luis Ramirez (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Minnesota Attorney General's office is investigating the reports of federal agents impersonating workers, and legal groups are concerned that these tactics could further erode public trust in law enforcement.

The takeaway

The use of deceptive tactics by immigration authorities in Minnesota has heightened fears and confusion among residents, who now struggle to distinguish between legitimate workers and federal agents in disguise. This erosion of public trust is a concerning development that could have far-reaching consequences for community relations and effective law enforcement.