ICE Agents Deploy Tear Gas on Family in Minneapolis Incident

On a Wednesday evening in North Minneapolis, Shawn and Destiny Jackson, along with their six children, found themselves in a perilous situation when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed tear gas and stun grenades during a protest. The family was returning home from a basketball practice when they became trapped in their vehicle, surrounded by both protesters and federal agents. The youngest child in the vehicle was only six months old.

New York Times

As the Jacksons attempted to navigate their way out of the blocked street, they were confronted by ICE agents who demanded they leave the area. Despite their efforts to comply, the situation escalated when agents released a tear gas canister beneath their vehicle. Destiny Jackson described the moment, stating, “Within seconds, there was a big boom and our car was up in the air,” leading to the deployment of airbags and the vehicle becoming filled with gas.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

The release of the tear gas caused immediate panic within the vehicle. Destiny Jackson managed to unlock the doors and began pulling her children out as bystanders rushed to help. Witnesses reported that some poured milk on the children to mitigate the effects of the tear gas. The couple's six-month-old infant was unconscious and not breathing, prompting Destiny to perform CPR while awaiting emergency services.

Jalopnik

Shawn Jackson noted the severity of the situation, mentioning that two of their children have asthma, which exacerbated their distress during the incident. The family was eventually taken to a hospital for treatment, with three of the children, including the infant, requiring hospitalization.

Jalopnik

Following the incident, the Jackson family expressed their trauma and concern over the actions of ICE agents. Shawn Jackson remarked, “It was like they didn't have a care in the world for us,” highlighting the perceived disregard for their safety. The family has since received support from the community, including a fund established to assist with medical expenses and to replace their damaged vehicle.

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

ICE has not provided a comment regarding the incident, leaving questions about the justification for deploying such measures against a family in a vehicle. The Jacksons have reported that their children are physically recovering but continue to experience emotional distress from the event.

New York Times

The incident has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the appropriateness of using tear gas and stun grenades in a situation involving a family. Local community members have rallied to support the Jacksons, emphasizing the need for accountability and a reevaluation of tactics used by federal agents in civilian areas.

New York Times

• “I managed to feel around and open up everybody's, like, I unlocked everybody's door and I hopped out, and I just started pulling as many kids as I could out,” — Destiny Jackson, Mother

WJZ - CBS Baltimore

• “It felt like our lungs was burning,” — Shawn Jackson, Father

New York Times

• “A lot of people from the community were there trying to help us in that situation,” — Destiny Jackson, Mother

Jalopnik

The incident remains a focal point for discussions on the use of force by law enforcement, particularly in situations involving vulnerable populations.

New York Times