A tense standoff unfolded in a St. Paul neighborhood on Tuesday after a large display of federal and local law enforcement triggered a rapid community response, leading to clashes between protesters and officers during what appeared to be an immigration-related operation.
Residents in the area near Rose Avenue and Payne-Phalen awoke to the sight of numerous federal agents surrounding a single home shortly after sunrise. While officials did not publicly confirm the purpose of the operation, witnesses and local media outlets reported that the activity resembled an Immigration and Customs Enforcement action targeting the address.
St. Paul Police worked alongside federal personnel but emphasized that their involvement was limited to crowd and traffic management. “Our role today is to keep the area safe and assist with logistics,” the department noted in a brief statement.
News of the operation quickly spread, drawing dozens of protesters to the scene. Community activists, immigrant rights advocates, and nearby residents gathered behind barricades, chanting slogans against the presence of ICE in Minnesota. Demonstrators urging authorities to “let them go” pressed closer as the situation intensified.
As tensions rose, shoving broke out between some protesters and federal agents trying to maintain a perimeter. Video from the scene showed officers pushing back individuals who attempted to cross restricted areas. St. Paul Police confirmed that at least one person was taken into custody during the confrontation. No serious injuries were immediately reported.
The Department of Homeland Security acknowledged that a law enforcement operation was underway but declined to provide further details, citing safety and ongoing investigative needs.
Mayor Melvin Carter addressed the situation online, assuring residents that city officials were monitoring developments closely. “We urge everyone in the vicinity to remain safe and calm,” the mayor said.
The incident prompted swift reactions from advocacy groups across the Twin Cities, many of whom condemned the timing and approach of the federal operation. Community leaders expressed frustration over what they described as continued fear and disruption caused by immigration enforcement actions in residential neighborhoods.
As of Tuesday evening, authorities had not announced the outcome of the operation or whether additional arrests were expected.
