Deputies free ICE agents amid Karmel Mall protest
ICE agents were swarmed during a chaotic protest outside Karmel Mall in Minneapolis, and DHS says protesters hurled chunks of ice and rocks, shouted death threats, deployed pepper spray, and two U.S. citizens arrested for assaulting agents remain in custody. DHS also says a woman seen being dragged was initially targeted for allegedly trying to vandalize a squad car but was released for safety reasons, a claim eyewitness Taneka Dortch disputes, calling the agents "forceful and brutal."
📌 Key Facts
- The incident occurred during a protest at Karmel Mall in Minneapolis that led to a chaotic clash involving ICE agents and law enforcement.
- DHS says two U.S. citizens were arrested for assaulting agents during the clash and both remain in custody.
- DHS alleges protesters hurled chunks of ice and rocks, shouted death threats, and deployed pepper spray against agents.
- DHS says a woman seen on video being dragged was initially targeted for arrest for allegedly trying to vandalize a squad car but was released over safety concerns.
- Named eyewitness Taneka Dortch disputes DHS’s account that the woman tried to vandalize a vehicle and describes agents as “forceful and brutal,” highlighting conflicting accounts between DHS/ICE and witnesses.
📊 Relevant Data
ICE has arrested more than 400 illegal aliens in Minnesota during Operation Metro Surge in late 2025, including individuals convicted of serious crimes such as pedophilia, rape, and violent offenses.
ICE Arrests the Worst of the Worst Criminal Illegal Aliens Including Pedophiles, Rapists, and Violent Thugs — Department of Homeland Security
In Ventura Village, the Minneapolis neighborhood containing Karmel Mall, 52.1% of the population is Black or African American and 17.3% is Hispanic or Latino.
Ventura Village, Minneapolis — Wikipedia
The rate of violent crime among Black residents in Minneapolis is 27 times higher than among White residents.
Maligning Minneapolis — City Journal
In July 2024, nearly 20 Somali youth were charged for targeting police and other people with fireworks in Minneapolis, prompting community efforts to combat youth violence.
Somali group combating youth violence signs deal with Mpls. — KARE 11
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- DHS says two U.S. citizens were arrested for assaulting agents during the Karmel Mall clash and both remain in custody.
- DHS alleges protesters hurled chunks of ice and rocks, shouted death threats, and deployed pepper spray against agents.
- DHS says a woman seen on video being dragged was initially targeted for arrest for allegedly trying to vandalize a squad car but was released over safety concerns.
- Named eyewitness Taneka Dortch disputes DHS’s claim the woman tried to vandalize a vehicle and describes agents as 'forceful and brutal.'