Minneapolis continues to be a crucial battleground between those who support the rule of law when it comes to criminal illegal aliens and those who don’t. And something that’s coming more into focus in recent days is a disagreement about whether what is happening on the ground should be considered “peaceful” exhibitions of free speech or out-and out rioting.
A decision handed down by a federal judge late Friday touches on that question, as my colleague Bob Hoge wrote, and it could tie the hands of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents:
They are now prohibited from using crowd-controlling tools like pepper spray — which, if you’ve watched any of the videos coming out of the Twin Cities, you know has been a crucial method for keeping angry activists back — and are prohibited from arresting any “peaceful” demonstrators who are supposedly exercising their First Amendment rights. (I don’t see how saying what you believe is akin to aiming your car at law enforcement, but maybe that’s just me.)
READ MORE: Biden-Appointed Judge Neuters ICE — You Can’t Use Non-Lethal Weapons or Arrest ‘Peaceful’ Agitators
Someone who has been taking part in operations across the country for months – though more recently in Minnesota – is Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino, and it’s worth considering how things look on the ground level in Minneapolis based on his experience.
My colleague Sister Toldjah wrote about his recent interview taking two Democrat leaders, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and MN Governor Tim Walz, to task for riling up protesters, and inspiring attacks on ICE. We also got word on Friday evening confirming that the Justice Department (DOJ) has begun a preliminary investigation into Frey’s and Walz’ anti-ICE actions.
Update: Walz, Frey Now Being Investigated by DOJ Over Anti-ICE Actions – MN Gov Is Not Happy
Now, CBP commander Bovino has more to say about ICE’s mission in the Twin Cities, in a new interview exclusive to NewsNation.
In this clip,he lays out the hard truth for any leftists who suffer under the illusion that they can run agents out of town, with ICE leaving before the”mission is done”:
#EXCLUSIVE “When we finish arresting all of them, perhaps our mission will be over here…” @CMDROpAtLargeCA says they’re making great strides in removing criminal illegal immigrants from the community but they’re not leaving until the mission is done. pic.twitter.com/sJMl3ptZQE
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 17, 2026
He told reporter Ali Bradley that agents are committed to staying on track with the mission in MN, as long as it takes, which is arresting and removing all of the criminal illegals allowed to enter the country under the Biden chaos.
He also talked about President Trump and Homeland Security (DHS) Sec. Kristi Noem staying “laser-focused” on the current situation in Minneapolis, especially in light of the Insurrection Act:
#EXCLUSIVE “@POTUS and @Sec_Noem Theyre laser focused on what is happening here in Minneapolis…” @CMDROpAtLargeCA says they’re providing data regularly to assist with whatever decisions need to be made when it comes to the Insurrection Act. pic.twitter.com/4Hu23Vr3qr
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 17, 2026
Bovino made sure to explain that he does not want to “get ahead” of any decisions POTUS or Noem might make about insurrection, but stressed that they are getting all of the first-hand information they need, if it comes to that.
He also spoke about the reports from police, on what he calls anarchists attacking the vehicles of everyday citizens, if they think they might be law enforcement:
#EXCLUSIVE “If they even think you’re law enforcement, then you’re getting it also…” @CMDROpAtLargeCA says “anarchists” are not only vandalizing government vehicles but they’re getting reports form the police that U.S. citizens are being impacted as well. pic.twitter.com/KNTL10a6K2
— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) January 17, 2026
“I’m calling them anarchists now, these anarchists, these rioters, these bad people that wish to harm law enforcement, are now harming American citizens.” He explained that many vehicles in the parking lots of hotels where protesters suspects ICE agents are staying are getting vandalized, the cars “of innocent civilians – they don’t care.”
In other words, their violent actions aren’t only affecting ICE. There absolutely needs to be justice over this kind of radical behavior in the long term.
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