Minnesotans Accuse Immigration Agents of Impersonating Workers

Concerns grow over federal agents using disguises to conduct immigration enforcement in the state

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Residents in Minnesota have reported seeing federal immigration agents impersonating construction workers, delivery drivers, and even anti-ICE activists in order to conduct surveillance and enforcement operations. Legal observers say these tactics, which appear to be a response to the state's networks of citizen activists monitoring ICE activity, are a concerning escalation of deception used by immigration authorities.

Why it matters

The reports of federal agents using elaborate disguises and impersonation tactics have heightened fears and distrust among Minnesota residents, who are already on edge due to the ongoing immigration crackdown in the state. Legal groups argue these tactics violate civil liberties and are more akin to efforts to "control a populace" than professional law enforcement.

The details

Incidents have been reported across Minnesota, with residents spotting suspicious individuals dressed as utility workers, construction crews, and even anti-ICE activists near their homes and businesses. In one case, a restaurant owner confronted two men in high-visibility vests who appeared to be wearing tactical gear underneath. The Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed whether these individuals were immigration agents. Legal observers say the tactics, while not entirely new, seem to have escalated to a "more extreme degree" as federal agents adapt to the growing networks of citizen activists monitoring their activities.

  • In recent weeks, federal agents have repeatedly shown up to construction sites dressed as workers.
  • On January 13, an antiques dealer in Minneapolis reported two men in street clothes inquiring about purchasing vintage license plates, which she suspected were immigration agents attempting to obtain fake plates.

The players

Luis Ramirez

A 31-year-old owner of a Mexican restaurant in suburban Minneapolis who confronted two men dressed as utility workers outside his business.

Naureen Shah

The director of immigration advocacy at the American Civil Liberties Union, who stated that the tactics being used in Minnesota are more akin to efforts to "control a populace" than professional law enforcement.

Jose Alvillar

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

Candice Metrailer

An antiques dealer in Minneapolis who believes she witnessed federal agents attempting to purchase vintage license plates, which she reported to the state's attorney general.

Scott Mechkowski

A former deputy director of ICE enforcement and operations in New York City, who argued that federal agents are adapting their tactics in response to the "obstruction and interference" from the volunteer army of ICE-tracking activists in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“This is what our taxpayer money goes to: renting these vehicles with fake tags to come sit here and watch my business.”

— Luis Ramirez, Restaurant Owner

“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

“We've seen an increase in the cowboy tactics. Construction workers are good at identifying who is a real construction worker and who is dressing up as one.”

— Jose Alvillar, Lead Organizer, Unidos MN

What’s next

The Minnesota Attorney General's office is investigating the reports of federal agents impersonating workers, which could lead to legal action against the Department of Homeland Security if the tactics are found to violate state laws.

The takeaway

The escalating use of deception and impersonation tactics by federal immigration agents in Minnesota has eroded public trust, heightened fears among residents, and raised serious concerns about civil liberties and the boundaries of acceptable law enforcement practices.