Minneapolis Activist Files Claim After ICE Dragged Her From Car

Aliya Rahman alleges excessive force and constitutional rights violations by federal agents during a high-profile arrest in Minneapolis.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:05pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car window pane, with the glass fragments casting long shadows across the vehicle's interior. The warm, cinematic lighting and muted color palette evoke a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.A shattered car window reflects the lingering tension between federal authorities and local activists in Minneapolis following a high-profile arrest.Minneapolis Today

Minneapolis activist Aliya Rahman has filed a federal tort claim against the Department of Homeland Security, alleging excessive force and constitutional rights violations after federal agents smashed her car window, dragged her from the vehicle, and detained her during a federal enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Rahman, who is autistic and suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2024, says she was denied medical care and later lost consciousness while in custody. Her lawyers are seeking reimbursement for medical costs and other losses tied to the incident.

Why it matters

Rahman's claim is part of a growing slate of civil cases against federal authorities following 'Operation Metro Surge,' a large DHS operation that sent thousands of agents to Minnesota and drew protests, lawsuits, and calls for more oversight after several deadly encounters. The outcome of Rahman's case could test whether federal tactics used during the surge will be forced to change.

The details

In a viral video from January, federal agents are seen smashing Rahman's passenger-side window, cutting her seatbelt, and forcibly removing her from the car before carrying her down the street. Rahman and her attorneys say she was never charged with a crime. They allege she sustained a traumatic brain injury, torn shoulder tendons, and now suffers from PTSD due to the incident. The federal government has labeled Rahman an 'agitator' who 'ignored multiple commands,' but her lawyers dispute this characterization.

  • The incident occurred in January 2026 during a federal enforcement operation in south Minneapolis.
  • Rahman filed the federal tort claim on April 16, 2026.

The players

Aliya Rahman

A Minneapolis activist who was forcibly removed from her car by federal agents during a federal enforcement operation. Rahman, who is autistic and suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2024, alleges she was denied medical care and later lost consciousness while in custody.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The federal agency that Rahman has filed a claim against, alleging excessive force and constitutional rights violations by its agents during the incident.

MacArthur Justice Center

The legal organization that filed the federal tort claim on Rahman's behalf, along with the law firm Friedman, Gilbert + Gerhardstein.

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What they’re saying

“A DHS spokesperson called Rahman an 'agitator' who 'ignored multiple commands' and said she was arrested for obstruction.”

— DHS spokesperson

“Rahman and her attorneys say she was never charged.”

— Aliya Rahman, Activist

What’s next

If the Department of Homeland Security fails to make a final decision on Rahman's claim within six months, she may treat that silence as a final denial and proceed to file a full-blown lawsuit against the federal government.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between federal authorities and local activists in Minneapolis, as well as broader concerns about the use of excessive force and constitutional rights violations by federal agents during enforcement operations. The outcome of Rahman's claim could have significant implications for how such incidents are handled in the future.