Full Breakdown
Minneapolis Family Caught in Tear Gas Incident Amid Protests
1/18/2026, 6:30:46 AM
Incident Overview: Tear Gas Deployment on Family
On January 15, 2026, a Minneapolis family, the Jacksons, found themselves in a life-threatening situation when federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents deployed tear gas and stun grenades around their vehicle. The family was returning home from a basketball game with their six children, including a 6-month-old infant, when they inadvertently became trapped between protesters and federal agents in North Minneapolis. As they attempted to navigate away from the escalating situation, an ICE officer rolled a tear gas canister under their SUV, filling the vehicle with toxic fumes and triggering the airbags. Destiny Jackson, the mother, described the chaos as her children cried out for help, struggling to breathe.
Background: Context of the Protests
The incident occurred against the backdrop of heightened tensions in Minneapolis following the shooting of Venezuelan immigrant Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis by an ICE agent. This event had already sparked significant protests against federal immigration enforcement, particularly in light of another recent shooting that resulted in the death of Renee Nicole Good. Local leaders and community members have criticized ICE's tactics, arguing that they exacerbate fear and unrest within immigrant communities.
Family's Experience and Immediate Aftermath
Destiny and Shawn Jackson reported that as the tear gas filled their vehicle, they struggled to escape. Destiny recounted performing CPR on her infant son, who had stopped breathing, while bystanders rushed to assist. Emergency responders arrived shortly after, treating the family for respiratory distress. The infant was reported to be in serious condition but stable upon arrival at the hospital.
Official Statements and Responses
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, stated that the officers did not target the Jackson family, describing them as victims of "rioters and agitators." However, the Jacksons have faced backlash online, with Destiny expressing her determination to focus on her family's well-being despite receiving threats.
Criticism of ICE Tactics
Critics, including local officials and community members, have condemned the use of tear gas and other crowd-control measures in situations involving families and children. Minneapolis City Council member Aurin Chowdhury remarked that the deployment of chemical agents seemed intended to instill fear rather than disperse crowds. This incident is part of a broader pattern where children have been affected by ICE's use of chemical agents during enforcement operations, raising concerns about the safety and ethics of such tactics.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the Jackson family and witnesses assert that ICE agents directly targeted their vehicle, federal officials maintain that the deployment of tear gas was a response to the surrounding protests and not aimed at the family. The exact circumstances leading to the decision to use tear gas remain unclear, with no immediate comments from ICE regarding the incident.
What's Next: Ongoing Investigations and Community Response
The Jackson family's experience has prompted calls for investigations into ICE's use of force and the impact of their operations on local communities. As protests continue in Minneapolis, local leaders are advocating for accountability and a reevaluation of federal enforcement tactics, particularly regarding their effects on families and children. The Jacksons have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses and to replace their damaged vehicle, highlighting the personal toll of this incident.
