A large crowd confronted federal agents at a Somali-owned strip mall in St. Cloud, Minnesota, during an enforcement operation that drew significant attention and was captured on video.
The incident occurred on Monday, January 12, when a sizeable group of community members gathered in the parking lot of the Star City Mall, a stretch of businesses that includes several Somali-owned establishments. Witnesses described the scene as tense and emotionally charged.
Footage shows dozens of federal agents, along with local police, in the area as protesters and residents confronted them, at times blocking vehicles and shouting. Some people held signs and whistles while others urged the crowd to stay calm.
The situation escalated when residents blocked federal vehicles, prompting law enforcement to attempt to regain control of the parking lot. In the exchange, at least one individual and two protesters were detained, according to local news reports.
According to local police statements, officers were on scene to ensure public safety and allow peaceful expression of First Amendment rights as ICE conducted its business, though they had not received formal prior notification of the federal operation.
Some witnesses said they expected the agents to leave after a previous encounter, but federal officers returned on Monday, drawing an even larger crowd than before.
Tensions over federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota have been mounting in recent days amid widespread protests following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month.
Local leaders at the scene, including city officials, emphasized the importance of calm and orderly conduct, urging residents to express their concerns while avoiding further escalation.
