Authorities in Minnesota have confirmed the arrest of a man described as a background checker for Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a significant prostitution sting operation. The Bloomington Police Department announced a total of thirty arrests as part of "Operation Lookin' for Love...In All the Wrong Places," which they state represents a record number for such an initiative.
Record-Breaking Police Operation Details
Bloomington Police Chief Booker T. Hodges detailed the operation during a press conference on Tuesday. Chief Hodges revealed that local authorities engaged with more than three hundred and thirty individuals attempting to purchase sex within Bloomington. Of the thirty suspects apprehended, twenty-eight face charges for gross misdemeanours, while two individuals are being charged with felonies due to prior convictions.
Focus on ICE Background Checker Arrest
Among those detained was thirty-six-year-old Brashad Johnson from Maple Grove, Minnesota. Police Chief Hodges expressed particular concern regarding Johnson's arrest, stating, "This is the most disturbing arrest that we've had here. He is a backgrounder for ICE. Homeland Security and federal agencies." Hodges elaborated further, noting, "So when you're getting your security clearance, this is one of the guys that does your backgrounds, which is kinda scary. We locked him up."
The police chief appeared visibly disappointed, adding, "For all the ICE agents, Homeland Security agents and people getting security clearance, this is one of the people that does the backgrounds. And you come here trying to purchase sex."
Department of Homeland Security Denial
In response to these claims, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security issued a firm denial to The Independent. The spokesperson stated, "This individual is NOT an ICE employee or contractor. He has no affiliation with ICE." The statement continued, alleging, "This is just another smear peddled by sanctuary politicians and the media leading to a 1,300% increase in assaults against our brave ICE law enforcement." The Independent noted it could not verify the Department of Homeland Security's figure regarding assaults on ICE agents.
Context of Broader Immigration Enforcement
Chief Hodges indicated that the police operation could have resulted in more arrests but was partially hindered by ongoing federal immigration activities. He explained, "Obviously, with the 'Operation Metro Surge' going on, citizens thought that we were potentially ICE and that kinda interfered with our operation."
"Operation Metro Surge" refers to the Department of Homeland Security's immigration enforcement efforts within Minnesota. The White House announced last week that these operations have led to the arrest of more than four thousand individuals described as "dangerous criminal illegal aliens" in the state.
The Trump administration's intensified immigration crackdown in Minnesota has generated significant controversy and backlash. This response has been amplified by recent tragic events, including the deadly shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis last month.
Information regarding legal representation for Brashad Johnson was not immediately available following the arrest reports.
