Reports of ICE Agents Impersonating Workers Heighten Fears in Minnesota

Legal observers say they have received a growing number of reports of federal agents posing as construction workers, delivery drivers, and anti-ICE activists.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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

Why it matters

The use of undercover tactics and impersonation by immigration authorities has raised concerns about public trust, civil liberties, and the potential for abuse. These tactics may be a response to the active networks of citizen observers in Minnesota who try to monitor and document ICE activity in the area.

The details

Legal observers say they have received reports of federal agents wearing construction worker uniforms, including hard hats and high-visibility vests, and using vehicles with fake license plates to conduct surveillance and potentially make arrests. In one incident, a restaurant owner confronted two men in construction gear who were parked outside his business. The men hid their faces and appeared to be wearing tactical gear. Immigration authorities have used similar tactics in the past to gain entry into homes without a warrant, but the current tactics in Minnesota seem to be happening more openly.

  • On January 13, an antiques dealer in Minneapolis received a call from a man identifying himself as a collector, who then came to the store with another man to look at vintage license plates.
  • In recent weeks, federal agents have repeatedly shown up to construction sites dressed as workers, according to a local immigrant rights organizer.

The players

Luis Ramirez

A 31-year-old owner of a Mexican restaurant in suburban Minneapolis who confronted two men in construction gear who were parked outside his business.

Candice Metrailer

An antiques dealer in south Minneapolis who believes she witnessed an attempt by federal agents to purchase vintage license plates, which they may have used to disguise their vehicles.

Jose Alvillar

A lead organizer for the local immigrant rights group Unidos MN, who has reported an increase in federal agents dressing up as construction workers.

Naureen Shah

The director of immigration advocacy at the American Civil Liberties Union, who expressed concerns about the tactics used by immigration authorities, stating that they are more akin to controlling a population than routine law enforcement.

Scott Mechkowski

A former deputy director of ICE enforcement and operations in New York City, who said that the tactics used by federal agents in Minnesota are a response to the high level of obstruction and interference from local activists.

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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 at the American Civil Liberties Union

“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

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

— Luis Ramirez

What’s next

The Minnesota Attorney General's office is investigating the reports of federal agents impersonating workers, which could lead to legal action or policy changes to restrict such tactics.

The takeaway

The use of undercover tactics and impersonation by immigration authorities in Minnesota has eroded public trust, raised civil liberties concerns, and highlighted the escalating tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities that are actively monitoring and resisting these efforts.