U.S. Citizen Alleges ICE Agents Offered Help with Family Status in Exchange for Information

Brandon Siguenza, a Minneapolis teacher, says he was detained and interrogated by ICE agents who asked about undocumented immigrants and protest organizers.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A U.S. citizen named Brandon Siguenza, a local teacher in Minneapolis, claims he was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who tried to pressure him into providing information about undocumented immigrants. Siguenza says the agents offered to help with his family's immigration status in exchange for cooperation, but he refused to answer their questions.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration agents, including the detention of U.S. citizens and attempts to coerce information from them. It also comes amid heightened tensions following the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by ICE and CBP agents in recent weeks.

The details

Siguenza says he was detained on January 11 while observing an ICE operation in a Minneapolis neighborhood. He claims the agents interrogated him multiple times, asking if he knew any undocumented immigrants, protest organizers, or people who might 'snipe an ICE agent.' Siguenza alleges the agents offered to help with his family's immigration status or provide money in exchange for information, but he refused. The Department of Homeland Security has denied the allegations, describing them as 'false' and claiming Siguenza and a colleague were 'stalking and obstructing ICE law enforcement.'

  • Siguenza was detained on January 11, 2026.
  • Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026.
  • Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot and killed by Customs and Border Protection agents on January 24, 2026.

The players

Brandon Siguenza

A U.S. citizen and local teacher in Minneapolis who was detained by ICE agents while observing an enforcement operation.

Renee Nicole Good

A 37-year-old mother of three who was shot and killed by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old ICU nurse who was shot and killed by Customs and Border Protection agents on January 24, 2026.

Tricia McLaughlin

A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security who denied Siguenza's allegations.

Secretary Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security who has been clear that 'any rioter who obstructs, impedes, or assaults law enforcement will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They were interested in any undocumented people I might know. I don't know any. I said no. One of my cellmates was offered the same offer and also said no.”

— Brandon Siguenza, U.S. citizen and local teacher (Newsweek)

“Make no mistake—obstructing federal law enforcement officers during the performance of their duties is not only dangerous but also a serious crime.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Spokeswoman, Department of Homeland Security (Newsweek)

“Any claim that DHS is offering money to agitators for information leading to the arrest of illegal aliens is FALSE.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Spokeswoman, Department of Homeland Security (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Department of Homeland Security has denied Siguenza's allegations, and it remains to be seen if any further investigation or legal action will be taken.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration agents, including the detention of U.S. citizens and attempts to coerce information from them. It underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement operations.