U.S. Citizen Detained in Immigration Crackdown, Family Reports Arrest During Raid

Federal authorities arrested a U.S. citizen near Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis during an immigration enforcement action. The woman, originally from Edina and of Somali descent, was reportedly detained for more than 24 hours before being released when her husband produced her U.S. passport card.

According to the woman’s cousin, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to his immigration status, multiple federal agents zip-tied her during the arrest. He said the agents mocked her hijab and made inappropriate physical contact, adding that the agents made disparaging remarks about her attire. The cousin expressed deep distress over the incident, stating, “It brings me a lot of anxiety and stress because this is my family.”

The woman was taken to Sherburne County Jail in Elk River and was too shaken to speak publicly after her release. Her cousin, a paralegal at a Golden Valley law firm, shared these details but clarified that the firm’s immigration attorney does not represent the detainee.

An immigration attorney at the same firm, Evangeline Dhawan-Maloney, criticized the arrest as unlawful and frightening. She pointed out that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lacks jurisdiction to detain U.S. citizens. Dhawan-Maloney remarked, “For them to detain a U.S. citizen for over 24 hours at a detention facility for no reason is truly terrifying.” She compared the incident to practices common in authoritarian regimes.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declined to comment on the case, citing insufficient information. This incident raises concerns amid ongoing immigration enforcement operations and highlights potential errors in identifying detainees’ citizenship status.

The case has sparked discussion about the treatment of Muslim Americans and the protections afforded to U.S. citizens during immigration crackdowns. It underscores the necessity for clear verification processes and respect for civil rights in law enforcement activities.

Issues related to racial and religious profiling remain central to community fears. The family’s account draws attention to the emotional toll these enforcement actions can have on individuals and their loved ones.