A chaotic confrontation unfolded in St. Paul, Minnesota on Tuesday as federal immigration officials clashed with a group of anti-ICE protesters who formed a blockade to prevent agents from moving through the area. The situation quickly escalated into a physical confrontation when demonstrators refused repeated commands to clear the roadway.
Witnesses say the protesters linked arms and positioned themselves directly in front of the agents, chanting and shouting as officers attempted to pass. Despite numerous verbal warnings, the crowd refused to move, prompting authorities to declare the blockade unlawful.
As tensions rose, federal agents deployed non-lethal ammunition and moved in to physically push protesters back. Video shows multiple individuals being shoved, dragged, and struck as officers attempted to break the line and create a path forward. The use of force caused immediate reactions from the crowd, with several shouting that the agents were escalating the situation.
Officials stated that non-lethal rounds were used only after protesters continued to advance toward the officers, ignoring commands, and attempting to surround the agents. Federal policy allows such measures when officers believe crowd control is necessary to maintain safety or complete an operation.
