Reports of federal immigration agents using deceptive tactics have heightened fear and confusion across Minnesota, as the state continues to see an intensified immigration crackdown.
In suburban Minneapolis, restaurant worker Luis Ramirez said he confronted two men dressed as utility workers who had been lingering outside his family’s business for days. The men wore high-visibility vests and hard hats, but Ramirez said their behavior and vehicle raised suspicions. He filmed the encounter, accusing them of surveilling his restaurant under false pretenses. Federal authorities declined to confirm whether the men were immigration officers.
Legal advocates and immigrant rights groups say similar reports are increasing, with alleged federal agents posing as construction workers, delivery drivers, or even anti-ICE activists. While not all incidents have been verified, they have amplified anxiety in immigrant communities and drawn criticism from civil liberties groups.
Naureen Shah of the American Civil Liberties Union warned that such tactics undermine public trust. “When people fear that a utility worker or delivery driver could be an immigration agent, it creates dangerous confusion and erodes confidence in basic institutions,” she said.
Activists in Minneapolis claim they have observed agents leaving federal buildings in unmarked vehicles, sometimes displaying symbols meant to blend into immigrant communities. Organizers also report agents appearing at construction sites in worker attire, though many of these encounters have not resulted in arrests.
State officials, including Governor Tim Walz, have raised concerns about agents allegedly swapping or using improper license plates, a potential violation of state law. In one case, a Minneapolis antiques dealer said two men attempted to buy recent license plates from her shop, prompting her to alert authorities.
Supporters of the crackdown argue that increased scrutiny from activists has forced federal agents to adapt their tactics. Former ICE official Scott Mechkowski said agents are responding to what he described as unprecedented levels of public interference.
For residents like Ramirez, the effect has been constant unease. “Everyone is on edge,” he said. “It feels like they’re everywhere.”
