Late Sunday night in Minneapolis, a large crowd of anti-ICE protesters descended on the Home2 Suites by Hilton Hotel after rumors spread that federal immigration agents were staying there.
Video and eyewitness reports show demonstrators smashing windows, vandalizing the lobby and spray-painting slogans such as “ICE OUT,” “ICE KILLS” and profanity on the hotel’s exterior. Several people were seen pushing into the lobby area and attempting to breach the entrance, prompting occupants to use vending machines and furniture to block access.
Protesters also made noise using drums, whistles, trash cans and strobe lights, apparently trying to disturb anyone believed to be inside. Some demonstrators were seen shoving and throwing objects, and at least one flashpoint involved an officer inside the lobby being injured and bleeding as the scene escalated.
Local law enforcement initially had a limited visible presence, with some footage showing a lone Minneapolis police officer at the entrance before reinforcements arrived. State patrol and Department of Natural Resources officers were called to assist Minneapolis police with damage to the property.
Federal agents eventually arrived at the scene in armored vehicles and deployed chemical irritants and flash-bangs to disperse the crowd as authorities worked to restore order. At least two protesters were detained during the incident.
Officials have not confirmed whether any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection officers were actually staying at the hotel, but tensions around federal enforcement operations in the Twin Cities have been high — particularly following the recent fatal shooting of Alex Pretti during a Border Patrol encounter.
The hotel incident adds to a series of clashes over immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, with city and state officials continuing to navigate public safety during ongoing demonstrations.
