ST. PAUL, Minn. — A growing rift between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents is drawing statewide attention in Minnesota after an off-duty Brooklyn Park police officer was stopped and questioned by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an incident police leaders say reflects a broader pattern of troubling conduct.
At a press conference at the Minnesota State Capitol, police chiefs from several Twin Cities departments publicly criticized ICE operations in the region, saying aggressive enforcement tactics are leading to civil-rights concerns, dangerous encounters, and a breakdown of trust between agencies.
Off-Duty Officer Boxed In, Asked for Proof of Citizenship
According to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley, the off-duty officer was driving her personal vehicle when she was boxed in by unmarked federal vehicles and confronted by ICE agents. She was reportedly asked to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, despite being a citizen and sworn law-enforcement officer.
Bruley said agents had firearms drawn during the encounter and that when the officer attempted to record the interaction on her phone, an agent knocked the device out of her hand. The encounter ended only after she identified herself as a police officer, at which point the agents left without further explanation.
Local police leaders say the officer was not suspected of any crime and was not the target of an immigration investigation.
Police Chiefs Say Incident Is Not Isolated
Multiple law-enforcement officials stressed that the Brooklyn Park incident is not an outlier. Chiefs from St. Paul, Minneapolis, and Hennepin County say they have received a growing number of complaints from residents — and even from off-duty officers — describing similar stops by federal agents.
“These aren’t criminals being stopped,” Bruley said. “These are people going about their lives — including our own officers — being questioned and detained without clear cause.”
Officials warned that such encounters risk escalating into dangerous situations and undermine community trust in law enforcement overall.
Civil Rights and Safety Concerns
Police leaders emphasized that they are not opposed to lawful immigration enforcement but argue that federal agents must operate within constitutional limits and coordinate more effectively with local departments.
They expressed concern that aggressive stops, particularly those involving drawn weapons and demands for proof of citizenship, could violate civil rights and disproportionately impact people of color and U.S. citizens.
“If this is happening to trained officers who understand the law, imagine what it’s like for everyday residents,” one chief said.
Broader Tensions Over ICE Operations
The controversy comes amid an expanded federal immigration operation across Minnesota, part of a larger national enforcement push. The increased presence of ICE has already sparked protests, lawsuits, and political fallout following several high-profile incidents, including a fatal shooting involving an ICE agent earlier this month.
State and city leaders have called for clearer oversight and accountability, while federal authorities have defended their operations as lawful and necessary.
Calls for Accountability and Oversight
Local law-enforcement agencies are now documenting complaints and exploring legal and administrative options to address the situation. Police leaders are urging federal agencies to establish clearer rules of engagement and to respect constitutional protections during enforcement actions.
For now, Minnesota officials say the Brooklyn Park incident has become a turning point — raising uncomfortable questions about how federal immigration enforcement is being carried out and who is being caught in the middle.
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