Maple Grove Police Arrest 26 People in Anti-ICE Protest at Hotel
Maple Grove police announced the arrests of 26 people following a protest of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at a hotel Monday night.
ICE agents were reportedly staying at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott, including Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino. CCX News has not confirmed Bovino was at the hotel.
According to Maple Grove police, officers responded at about 8 p.m. and made arrests for “unlawful assembly and riotous conduct.”
“The protest was declared an unlawful assembly after property damage and violence occurred, making the activity no longer protected under the First Amendment,” read a press release from Maple Grove police.
In addition to property damage, “objects were thrown at officers” leading to arrests, the release said.
Maple Grove police said dispersal orders were issued and protesters “were given clear instructions and ample opportunity to leave.”
Police said 13 people were arrested for gross misdemeanor riot and another 13 arrested for misdemeanor unlawful assembly. Two of those arrested face an additional charge of obstructing the legal process, police said.
Another person remains under investigation for property damage, but evaded arrest.
SpringHill Suites by Marriott, located in the 11600 block of Arbor Lakes Parkway in Maple Grove.
Maple Grove Police Chief Eric Werner has spoken about the role of local police before the ramp up of Operation Metro Surge. Werner has made it clear that local police agencies don’t help ICE agents with immigration operations and do not enforce federal immigration laws.
He said it’s the role of police to ensure public safety and to protect people in exercising their constitutional rights lawfully on public property.
“During this incident, our priority was the safety of those in the area, hotel staff, all guests, and property,” read a statement by Maple Grove police. “While we respect First Amendment rights, we will not tolerate property damage or violence in our community.”
Police said the crowd dispersed at about 10 p.m., two hours after the initial 911 calls.
The response to the protest involved numerous agencies assisting Maple Grove police. They included the Minnesota State Patrol, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Hennepin Public Order Group, the Brooklyn Park Police Department and the Maple Grove Public Works and Fire Departments.
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