Attorney: Minneapolis Liberian man hit in ICE battering‑ram raid had checked in for 15 years
A Liberian national in Minneapolis who had been regularly checking in with immigration authorities for 15 years was arrested during an ICE raid in which federal agents used a battering ram to force entry, and family members — including a child — witnessed the forced entry. His lawyer says there was no indication of non‑compliance that would justify such a violent home entry, and the family is demanding to see a judicial warrant.
📌 Key Facts
- The person arrested is a Liberian national, tying the case to Minnesota’s Liberian community.
- He was taken into custody during an ICE raid in Minneapolis that involved a forced home entry using a battering ram.
- His lawyer says he had been regularly checking in with immigration authorities for years under supervision and was not a fugitive.
- The lawyer also stated there was no indication of non‑compliance that would justify a violent battering‑ram entry.
- Family members, including a child, witnessed the forced entry and arrest in the home.
- The reporting on the case was published by Twincities on Jan. 15, 2026.
📊 Relevant Data
The pandemic-era social service billing fraud perpetuated mainly by Somali immigrants in Minneapolis has exceeded $1 billion, marking one of the largest state welfare scandals in American history.
How Misreading Somali Poverty Led Minnesota into Its Largest Welfare Scandal — American Enterprise Institute
Fraud in Minnesota-run Medicaid services likely exceeds $9 billion, with the program's design making it easy to scam and attracting fraudulent activities from outside the state.
U.S. Attorney: Fraud likely exceeds $9 billion in Minnesota-run Medicaid services — Minnesota Reformer
Immigration accounted for 94% of Minnesota's net population growth from 2020 to 2024, with new Americans providing outsized economic contributions to the state.
The economic contributions of New Americans in Minnesota — Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
During Operation Metro Surge in Minnesota, ICE arrested over 400 individuals, with crimes including third-degree criminal sexual conduct, rape, robbery, assault, and driving while intoxicated.
ICE Arrests the Worst of the Worst Criminal Illegal Aliens Including Pedophiles, Rapists, and Violent Thugs in Tim Walz’s Sanctuary Minnesota — U.S. Department of Homeland Security
89% of Somali immigrant families in Minnesota use welfare programs, contributing to fiscal issues amid fraud scandals.
Refugee flood isn't smart policy, it's the gift that keeps on taking — Fox News
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Confirms the detainee’s name as a Liberian national, clarifying his country of origin and tying the case more tightly to Minnesota’s Liberian community.
- States that he had been regularly reporting to immigration authorities for years under supervision before the raid, undercutting the idea that he was a fugitive.
- His lawyer is quoted saying there was no indication of non‑compliance that would justify a violent home entry with a battering ram.
- Details that family members, including a child, witnessed the forced entry and arrest, adding specificity to the impact on the household.