Clashes Between Law Enforcement and Protesters in St. Paul
Federal agents and city police in St. Paul, Minnesota, faced off with a crowd of protesters on Tuesday afternoon in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood. The situation escalated when law enforcement deployed chemical irritants against the gathering. The incident occurred near residential streets around Payne and Rose avenues, where a large group had assembled earlier in the day.
The scene was marked by tension as masked federal agents and St. Paul police officers were present at the location. By Tuesday evening, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE agents arrested a man from Honduras who they claimed had previously been removed from the country. Initially, the confrontation involved only verbal exchanges, but it quickly turned more intense.
WCCO reporters captured footage of several people surrounding a white van at the intersection. The driver of the vehicle deployed a chemical spray into the crowd. Additionally, tear gas canisters were used as St. Paul police vehicles attempted to leave the scene. According to WCCO's Conor Wight, members of the crowd also threw items at officers and their vehicles, prompting law enforcement to respond with pepper balls and chemical irritants.
As the police withdrew, emergency medical technicians arrived to assist those injured during the encounter. Vivian Tran, a neighborhood community organizer, described the effects of the chemical agents: "It's like burning everything. Your eyes, your lungs, your nose if you don't have a mask on." She questioned why law enforcement would use such measures, calling it "chemical warfare."
The Department of Homeland Security claims that one protester "weaponized their vehicle and rammed an ICE law enforcement vehicle" before fleeing on foot. They later arrested the individual. A spokesperson for the department stated, "You will not stop us or slow us down. ICE and our federal law enforcement partners will continue to enforce the law."
St. Paul police confirmed that one person was cited and released for obstruction of justice related to the protest. However, the incident drew strong criticism from local leaders. City Council member Hwa Jeong Kim, who represents the area, expressed her outrage over the actions of city police. "This is completely unacceptable," she said. "The St. Paul Police Department works for us, every single person on this street, that's who they work for. Their job is to keep us safe."
Kim revealed that she, along with other elected officials, was tear gassed by St. Paul officers during the event. "I think residents should be infuriated by this action today," she added.
Police Chief Confirms Use of Chemicals on Crowd
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry confirmed that his officers used chemical irritants during the incident. In a statement released early Tuesday evening, he explained that officers were called in to assist federal agents after reports of a "vehicle struck" with an agent inside, as well as accounts of protesters arming themselves with rocks and sticks. Henry said officers stood between demonstrators and agents, and that no arrests were made by his department. He also mentioned that a comprehensive review of the incident would follow.
In a previous WCCO interview, Henry emphasized that the city's police force does "not do anything that is solely immigration focused." He clarified that officers would not assist a federal immigration-only detail but would help if a situation escalated and crimes were being committed.
"I've been very clear since January, if you see a St. Paul badge or a logo, it's not an immigration detail but also, if a federal agent gets on the radio and screams for help, we are going to help," Henry said. "Our separation ordinance very clearly says we cooperate with our federal partners."
Mayor and Governor Respond
Mayor Melvin Carter visited the scene and voiced concerns about the events that unfolded. "We're going to have to get to the bottom of this, and we will," he said. Carter noted that every officer in a St. Paul uniform was wearing a body camera and has initiated a full review of any use of force by city police.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released a statement expressing frustration over the lack of communication from federal authorities. "We received no heads up from federal authorities on this operation," he said. "While we are always willing to work together on public safety, that is clearly not what this chaotic situation was about."
Recent Federal Raids and Protests
Last week, federal agents raided Bro-Tex, Inc., a paper distribution company in St. Paul, and arrested 14 individuals on "immigration operations." The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed the specific charges against the 14 people.
WCCO cameras captured a physical confrontation between federal agents at the Bro-Tex facility, some of whom were seen wearing FBI and DEA insignia. Protesters were present, and agents deployed a chemical irritant on the crowd. Some community members were physically removed from the scene as four federal vehicles attempted to leave.
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