Off‑Duty Officer Confronted, Weapons Drawn, Recording Blocked ICE agents stopped an off‑duty Brooklyn Park police officer while she was driving in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and pointed firearms at her [1][2][3]. The agents demanded proof of citizenship despite her status as a U.S. citizen and asked for identification [1][2][3]. When the officer attempted to film the encounter, an agent knocked the phone from her hand, preventing video evidence [1][2][3]. After she identified herself as a police officer, the agents eventually left the scene [1][2][3].

Multiple U.S. Citizens Stopped Based Solely on Skin Color Minnesota law‑enforcement leaders reported a pattern of ICE stops where agents questioned U.S. citizens solely because of their race or ethnicity [2][3]. The stops occurred in traffic and on sidewalks, with agents often demanding proof of legal status from people who were legally present [1][2][3]. Officials said the number of complaints has surged statewide, indicating a broader trend beyond isolated incidents [1][2][3]. Both Somali and Latino communities were highlighted as disproportionately targeted in the complaints [1].

Local Leaders Decry Trust Erosion and Call for Accountability Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley labeled the off‑duty encounter alarming and warned it could damage community trust [1][2][3]. Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt and St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry echoed concerns, saying repeated profiling erodes confidence built after the Floyd era [1][2][3]. Both Witt and Henry emphasized that they are not blaming all federal agents, but they demand clearer oversight and mechanisms for filing complaints [2][3]. Officials urged faster, transparent investigations and urged ICE leadership to improve identification of agents during stops [2].

Operation Metro Surge and Federal Defense Against Profiling Claims The Department of Homeland Security launched Operation Metro Surge, deploying thousands of ICE agents in what it calls the largest immigration enforcement action in its history [1]. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin rejected accusations of racial profiling as “disgusting” and asserted that stops are based on illegal presence, not race [1]. The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of three U.S. citizens, alleging that Somali and Latino residents were disproportionately targeted and that constitutional rights were violated [1]. The lawsuit names Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and several Customs and Border Protection officers, seeking injunctive relief and damages [1].