FBI, St. Paul Police Investigating ICE Arrest That Left Man with Skull Fractures

Authorities seek to identify cause of Mexican citizen's severe injuries during immigration detention incident.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Minnesota and federal authorities are investigating the alleged beating of a Mexican citizen by immigration officers last month, seeking to identify what caused the eight skull fractures that landed the man in the intensive care unit of a Minneapolis hospital. ICE has claimed the man, Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, was injured when he attempted to flee while handcuffed and "fell and hit his head against a concrete wall," but hospital staff and the man's lawyers dispute this account, saying his injuries are inconsistent with such a fall.

Why it matters

This case raises concerns about the use of force by immigration enforcement officers and the transparency around such incidents. It also highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, as well as the challenges in investigating allegations of misconduct by federal agents.

The details

Investigators from the St. Paul Police Department and FBI last week canvassed the shopping center parking lot where Castañeda Mondragón says Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents wrested him from a vehicle, threw him to the ground and repeatedly struck him in the head with a steel baton. ICE has blamed Castañeda Mondragón for his own injuries, but hospital staff and his lawyers say his brain hemorrhaging and fragmented skull fractures are inconsistent with a fall. The investigations are complicated by the delay in law enforcement responding to the incident, as well as the potential loss of surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

  • The incident occurred on January 8, 2026.
  • Castañeda Mondragón has been summoned to meet with ICE on February 23, 2026 at its main detention facility in Minneapolis.

The players

Alberto Castañeda Mondragón

A 31-year-old Mexican citizen who overstayed his visa and was allegedly beaten by ICE agents during his arrest, resulting in eight skull fractures.

St. Paul Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident alongside the FBI.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency investigating the incident alongside the St. Paul Police Department.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal immigration enforcement agency whose agents were involved in the arrest that led to Castañeda Mondragón's injuries.

John Choi

The chief prosecutor of Ramsey County, who has stated his expectation that authorities will investigate allegations of criminal conduct by federal agents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.