Mexican Citizen Alleges Beating by ICE Agents in Minnesota

Federal and state authorities investigating incident that left man with severe skull fractures

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Minnesota and federal authorities are investigating the alleged beating of Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, a Mexican citizen, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last month. Castañeda Mondragón sustained eight skull fractures, brain hemorrhaging, and fragmented memory, requiring hospitalization. ICE claims he injured himself by attempting to flee while handcuffed and falling against a concrete wall, but hospital staff say his injuries are inconsistent with such a fall. The investigations are complicated by the passage of time and the potential loss of surveillance footage, as well as parallel probes into other incidents involving ICE officers in Minnesota.

Why it matters

This case raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within ICE, as the agency initially did not comment on Castañeda Mondragón's injuries and has not answered questions about body-worn camera footage of the arrest. The overlapping investigations involving ICE officers also highlight broader concerns about the use of force and potential misconduct within the agency.

The details

Investigators from the St. Paul Police Department and the FBI canvassed a shopping center parking lot last week, the location where Castañeda Mondragón alleges ICE agents removed him from a vehicle, threw him to the ground, and repeatedly struck him in the head with a steel baton. ICE attributes Castañeda Mondragón's injuries to a fall against a concrete wall after he allegedly attempted to flee while handcuffed. However, hospital staff who treated the 31-year-old man told the Associated Press that such a fall could not account for the extent of his injuries, including brain hemorrhaging and fragmented memory. A CT scan revealed fractures to the front, back, and both sides of his skull, which a doctor described as inconsistent with a simple fall.

  • The incident occurred last month.
  • Castañeda Mondragón filed a police report after his hospitalization.
  • Castañeda Mondragón has been summoned to meet with ICE on Feb. 23 at its Minneapolis detention facility, where he could potentially be taken back into custody and deported.

The players

Alberto Castañeda Mondragón

A 31-year-old Mexican citizen who alleges he was beaten by ICE agents, sustaining eight skull fractures, brain hemorrhaging, and fragmented memory.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that Castañeda Mondragón alleges was responsible for his injuries, though ICE claims he injured himself by attempting to flee while handcuffed.

St. Paul Police Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident alongside federal authorities.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency also investigating the incident alongside local authorities.

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What’s next

The criminal investigations may be affected by the delay in gathering evidence. Castañeda Mondragón has been summoned to meet with ICE on Feb. 23 at its Minneapolis detention facility, where he could potentially be taken back into custody and deported.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability within federal immigration enforcement agencies, as well as the importance of thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of misconduct and excessive use of force.