Minneapolis on Edge as Protests Erupt Over Border Official’s Presence
This week, Minneapolis emerged as a focal point in the nation’s immigration battle. Chaos erupted outside a hotel believed to host Chief Gregory Bovino, head of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Minneapolis division. Protests were ignited by online claims that “Leftists are going INSANE” over Bovino’s supposed stay. This brought significant media attention and drew numerous demonstrators to a Lakeville-area hotel, the Hampton Inn, located about 20 miles from downtown Minneapolis.
Bovino plays a pivotal role in Operation Metro Surge, an enforcement initiative aimed at immigrant communities, particularly targeting Somalis in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. His actions are polarizing, garnering strong support from hardliners advocating stricter immigration control while facing fierce opposition from local activists, journalists, and politicians in sanctuary jurisdictions.
The protests escalated on Monday night. As demonstrators gathered outside the Hampton Inn, signs condemning ICE filled the air. Accusations were leveled against federal agents, claiming they were conducting unlawful raids and infringing on immigrant rights without due process. Social media claims suggested that Bovino was using the hotel as a command center, further fueling the outcry.
Federal authorities acted quickly, confirming prior cancellations of hotel bookings in anticipation of the protests. Screenshots shared by the Department of Homeland Security indicated that hotel staff had sought to verify the affiliations of guests, particularly if anyone was associated with immigration enforcement. “If you are with DHS or immigration, let us know as we will have to cancel your reservation,” the staff communicated, raising eyebrows about the hotel’s stance.
DHS labeled these cancellations a “coordinated and malicious” effort to hinder federal law enforcement. The agency raised the question, “Why is Hilton siding with murderers and rapists to undermine immigration enforcement?” In response, Hilton Corporate clarified that the Lakeville Hampton Inn is independently operated and that the hotel’s actions were not representative of Hilton’s values. Subsequently, Everpeak Hospitality, which manages the hotel, issued an apology and suspended the employee responsible for the controversial message.
Bovino, who is no stranger to controversy surrounding his enforcement activities in cities like Chicago, remains unfazed by the targeting. Speaking to local media, he emphasized, “Attacking law enforcement is not a right like you want it to be,” standing firm in his belief regarding the operations of Metro Surge. “The use of force that I’ve seen has been exemplary — the least amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission,” he asserted.
Operation Metro Surge reportedly involves over 2,000 federal agents, resulting in more than 1,000 arrests this year alone. Among those arrested are individuals with serious criminal records, including charges like aggravated assault and sexual violence. Yet, as protests follow a recent police shooting of a key individual in the area, tensions continue to simmer.
This incident involved Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis ICU nurse, who was shot by federal agents while reportedly armed and resisting arrest. The circumstances of the shooting have prompted scrutiny from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. The use of lethal force has come under fire, highlighting fears that federal operations may be veering into excessive measures. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie spoke bluntly: “Carrying a firearm is not a death sentence.” In contrast, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem attributed rising violence to “violent extremists” targeting officers in metropolitan areas.
Political divisions are stark. Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have voiced their opposition to federal enforcement in the area. Mayor Frey directly requested President Trump to halt Metro Surge operations during a recent conversation. In response, Trump acknowledged the growing tensions and directed Tom Homan, a former DHS director, to take charge of enforcement in Minnesota, effectively bypassing local governmental coordination.
The timing coincided with federal courts tightening scrutiny over Bovino’s operations. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis recently ordered Bovino to appear in court due to allegations that agents under his command had violated court orders connected to the use of tear gas during protests. Evidence has emerged suggesting force was applied even against non-violent participants, leading to increased judicial oversight. Judge Ellis clarified, “They can’t get tear gassed for exercising First Amendment rights.” In a further blow, she mandated that Bovino wear a body camera and provide warnings before deploying chemical agents.
Bovino remains defiant. He stated, “If someone strays into a pepper ball, then that’s on them,” indicating his commitment to the enforcement operation. Despite legal challenges and public dissent, DHS continues to advocate for the initiative in Minneapolis. Officials assert that the focus of Metro Surge is on individuals with federal arrest warrants, including those accused of failing to appear in court for immigration charges or individuals listed on terror watchlists. Since Minnesota lacks ICE detention facilities, those arrested are being relocated to jails in Iowa and Missouri.
Local advocacy groups are actively challenging the legality of the operation, contending that it represents retaliation against jurisdictions that resist ICE collaboration. U.S. District Judge Katherine Menendez, overseeing one of the lawsuits, expressed concerns about executive power, questioning, “Is there no limit to what the executive can do under the guise of enforcing immigration law?”
The combination of federal law enforcement actions, instances of violence, and political discord renders the situation in Minneapolis exceptionally fraught. The protest at the Hampton Inn underscored popular sentiment, where demonstrators accused federal agents of seeking refuge while terrorizing local communities. This reflects a burgeoning crisis in immigration enforcement, where legal and political conflicts coalesce.
Amidst growing tensions, law enforcement is on high alert. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin warned that demonstrators have harassed federal agents in various public settings. She claimed, “These are not peaceful activists. They are trained agitators,” suggesting organized efforts to disrupt operations. Fallout from the protests has led DHS to reinforce internal security protocols, focusing on agent safety amid perceived threats.
While legal pressures mount, Bovino shows no intent to retreat. A federal appeals court recently upheld the operational authority of DHS in Minnesota, indicating judicial approval for ongoing enforcement efforts. Bovino is slated to testify before a Senate subcommittee later this month concerning the conduct of his agents in both Minneapolis and Chicago.
The unfolding drama has placed Minneapolis on the national stage, manifesting a complicated interplay of enforcement, resistance, and legal battles. Whether the protests can yield accountability or if legal challenges will succeed remains uncertain. What is clear is that Chief Bovino’s presence has incited not only uproar but also heightened scrutiny in a deeply contentious campaign over how immigration laws are enforced across the United States.
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