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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz urged Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “reevaluate” her law enforcement strategy after saying several U.S. citizens were arrested in federal immigration raids across the state as part of the Trump administration’s aggressive mass deportation campaign.
In a letter to Noem, Walz said he was writing with “serious concern” about the arrests made by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis.
“Reports indicate that some citizens were documenting federal activity, while others were going about their daily lives,” he wrote. “This troubling trend has raised serious questions, not only about due process and the rights of American citizens, but also about trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities.”
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Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is urging Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “reevaluate” her enforcement strategy following the arrests of US citizens during immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis. (Getty Images)
“This series of incidents raises serious concerns about civil liberties and trust between Minnesota communities and federal authorities,” Walz said in a statement regarding his letter. “Minnesotans have long valued civic engagement, and detaining citizens for lawfully exercising these rights or going about their daily lives sends a deeply troubling message. I urge Secretary Noem to respect the Constitution and for her administration to ensure that federal operations are conducted lawfully and with respect for the rights of all individuals.
He said the “force, lack of communication and illegal practices” exhibited by federal agents will not be tolerated in Minnesota. He urged Noem to reassess the broader enforcement strategy.
Fox News Digital has contacted the Department of Homeland Security and ICE.
Walz cited an alleged incident in which a person named “Sue” was physically pushed, handcuffed and taken to a federal facility after refusing to back away from a scene after being asked to do so while documenting a law enforcement operation. She was told she would be charged with obstruction, Walz said.
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Tim Walz is pictured next to ICE (Getty Images/ICE)
Another person named “Mubashir” was chased down, tackled and handcuffed before being arrested despite declaring his citizenship status, he said.
The governor said those who document law enforcement activities “play a critical role in providing transparency, accountability and safeguarding civil liberties in Minnesota.”
Immigration officials said individuals were free to watch and film law enforcement operations, but anyone who prevented authorities from doing their job could be arrested.
In her letter, Walz urged Noem to review recent arrests made by federal agents to ensure they have a judicial warrant authorizing detention or seizure and to clarify the legal standard under which a citizen can exercise their right to document and witness “aggressive actions by law enforcement.”
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He also asked her to ensure that ICE agents operating in Minnesota receive guidance and training on respecting the civil rights of U.S. citizens and residents.
