Robbinsdale Police Shed Light on ICE Arrest Outside Hy-Vee
The Robbinsdale Police Department said it responded to the Hy-Vee parking lot late Thursday morning, Jan. 8, on a report of federal U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining a person.
According to Robbinsdale police, officers responded at 11:10 a.m. to the Hy-Vee, located at 3505 Bottineau Boulevard. They soon confirmed federal ICE activity.
“Officers were verifying that the individuals involved were actual Federal Agents when the individual being detained punched an agent in the face. Robbinsdale officers did not engage in the incident and kept numerous people back for their safety,” said Robbinsdale police in a statement.
Robbinsdale police stress that they only enforce state and local laws and do not participate in any activities related to federal immigration law.
“When federal immigration enforcement activity occurs in Robbinsdale, our Police Department will not take an active part of those operations with federal agents. Our jurisdiction has not been notified in advance of current federal operations,” the statement said.
Local police said they may assist in crowd control as part of ICE operations to ensure safety for all.
“Our officers will work to de-escalate situations but will not participate in enforcing immigration law. If protests or gatherings occur, our officers may respond to assess whether the activity is lawful, ensure public safety, protect everyone present, and maintain the peace for those exercising their First Amendment rights,” the statement said.
Robbinsdale police said the person detained by ICE agents was transported from the area without any assistance from the city’s officers.
“The Robbinsdale Police Department does not work with, or cooperate with, immigration officials,” the statement added.
The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has not released any further information on the individual detained.
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