Observers Say ICE Still Active in Minnesota Suburbs Despite Drawdown Claims

Legal observers and local officials report continued sightings of ICE agents and vehicles in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.

Feb. 22, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Despite federal officials announcing a drawdown of immigration enforcement agents in Minnesota, legal observers and local officials say they are still seeing regular ICE activity and presence in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis. Collette Adkins, a legal observer, reported seeing masked agents in tactical gear and out-of-state plates in a Coon Rapids police department parking lot, as well as a man being handcuffed. Minneapolis City Councilmember Jason Chavez also said he continues to see confirmed ICE vehicles across south Minneapolis neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The continued ICE presence in Minnesota suburbs contradicts claims of a drawdown, raising concerns about the true extent of federal immigration enforcement activities in local communities. This has led to heightened vigilance and planning among residents and officials to respond to the ongoing ICE activity.

The details

On Friday, legal observer Collette Adkins said she spotted masked men in tactical gear and out-of-state plates in the parking lot of the Coon Rapids Police Department. Adkins also saw a man being handcuffed, but was only able to hear his last name, "Martinez", before agents sounded their sirens and surrounded her vehicle. Coon Rapids police confirmed there was apparent ICE activity outside the Coon Rapids City Center on the same day. Meanwhile, Minneapolis City Councilmember Jason Chavez said he is still seeing confirmed ICE vehicles across south Minneapolis neighborhoods, and that a recent community meeting was held in part to plan for continued ICE presence in the area.

  • On Friday, February 21, 2026, Collette Adkins reported seeing ICE activity outside the Coon Rapids Police Department.
  • On the same day, Friday, February 21, 2026, Coon Rapids police confirmed there was apparent ICE activity outside the Coon Rapids City Center.

The players

Collette Adkins

A legal observer who reported seeing masked ICE agents in tactical gear and a man being handcuffed outside the Coon Rapids Police Department.

Jason Chavez

A Minneapolis City Councilmember who said he continues to see confirmed ICE vehicles across south Minneapolis neighborhoods.

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What they’re saying

“I felt absolute terror in the parking lot that day. I absolutely was thinking about what happened to Renee Good that day, and I think a lot of observers have those images go through their minds.”

— Collette Adkins, Legal Observer (WCCO)

“ICE is still in our community, they're still in suburbs.”

— Jason Chavez, Minneapolis City Councilmember (WCCO)

What’s next

Residents and officials in the Minneapolis suburbs plan to continue monitoring ICE activity and developing strategies to respond to the ongoing presence of federal immigration enforcement agents in their communities.

The takeaway

Despite claims of a drawdown in federal immigration enforcement, the continued sightings of ICE agents and vehicles in Minnesota suburbs suggest that the agency's presence has not significantly diminished, raising concerns about the true extent of its activities in local communities.