Twelve arrested in Minneapolis overnight protests amid large ICE operation

Federal and local officials said 12 people were arrested during overnight demonstrations in Minneapolis linked to a major U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement enforcement operation, part of several nights of unrest across the city that produced property damage, theft of government equipment and at least one injury.

The Department of Homeland Security posted on X that the 12 arrests occurred in Minneapolis on the night of Jan. 16 and described some participants as “anti‑ICE.” DHS also said earlier in the week that eight people had been arrested outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building and characterized other groups as “45 violent rioters” who launched fireworks and threw bottles, ice chunks and other objects at federal officers. Minneapolis police described multiple separate incidents occurring over several nights at federal facilities, downtown sites and hotels where federal agents were believed to be staying.

On a night of particularly large demonstrations tied to the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good, police temporarily declared an unlawful assembly outside a downtown hotel where federal staff were believed to be lodged. City officials said the crowd swelled to an estimated 1,000 people, with arrests made and later released; Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara called the police response “disciplined and restrained” and said officers dispersed the crowd by about 1:00 a.m. that night. Windows and graffiti were reported at least one hotel and other property damage was documented during the unrest.

Protest activity also appeared near the University of Minnesota area, where three people were arrested outside the Graduate by Hilton Hotel as demonstrators sought to disrupt what they believed were federal agents staying at the property. At the Whipple Building and other federal sites, law enforcement in tactical gear detained people amid confrontations and took steps to secure federal facilities.

Federal agencies reported vandalism to FBI and other government vehicles, and the theft of items from an FBI vehicle including body armor and weaponry. The FBI posted a reward of up to $100,000 for information about the vandalized vehicles and stolen items. Federal officials said the person who stole government property was in custody and that additional arrests were expected. Authorities identified one arrested suspect as Raul Gutierrez, 33, and described him as a “known member of the Latin Kings gang” in connection with a joint operation involving the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Reports from police and universities noted at least one officer was struck by a chunk of ice and did not require hospital treatment. Community groups and businesses mobilized in response to the increased federal presence; a local restaurant ran a fundraising campaign that raised more than $83,000 for nonprofits and donated pizzas to those affected by the enforcement activity.

Arrest totals and incident descriptions vary across nights and locations, and federal and local authorities have not provided a consolidated count or comprehensive charging information. City officials urged peaceful protest while warning that property damage and assaults would prompt arrests; Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the majority of protesters for peaceful action while saying those who endanger others would be held accountable. State officials are pursuing legal action aimed at blocking the deployment of additional federal officers, adding another layer to the dispute over how the city and federal government manage civil unrest tied to immigration enforcement.

Investigations remain ongoing. Prosecutors, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal agencies have signaled further inquiries and potential charges, but have not released a full roster of arrests, formal charges or timetables for public disclosure.