Videos from Minneapolis and Illinois show residents throwing snowballs at federal immigration agents during raids, as tensions escalate over Trump administration enforcement actions. In Minneapolis on Monday, agents were filmed dragging a woman through a snowy street while partially handcuffing her, prompting bystanders to hurl snow and shout for her release.
One witness told the Associated Press that the confrontation began peacefully, with snowballs only thrown after agents used force. “We didn’t start throwing snowballs until they started dragging her around by her wrist,” she said. Agents responded with pepper spray and a Taser, according to footage from Minnesota Public Radio.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara criticised ICE tactics, noting his officers disengaged after deeming the scene safe. “We have been training our officers for the last five years very, very intensely on de-escalation, but unfortunately that is often not what we are seeing from other agencies,” he said.
In Elgin, Illinois, protesters also threw snow at agents during a detention, prompting the use of teargas and pepper munitions. The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota has sued federal agencies, alleging violations of protesters’ rights.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said: “ICE stays frosty … but rioters should be aware, assaulting an officer is a federal crime.” The DHS reported injuries to agents from thrown objects, including cuts. Legal experts warn that throwing snowballs at federal agents could constitute a felony if intent to harm is proven.
