Full Breakdown
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Accuses ICE of Harassment
3/4/2026, 8:35:53 PM
Allegations of Racial Profiling and Harassment
In January 2026, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley publicly accused Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents of racially profiling and harassing residents in the Twin Cities suburb of Minnesota. During a press conference, Bruley highlighted an incident involving an off-duty police officer who was stopped by ICE agents demanding proof of her citizenship, despite her being a U.S. citizen. Bruley expressed concern over the treatment of community members, stating, "If it is happening to our officers, it pains me to think of how many of our community members are falling victim to this every day."
Eyewitness Accounts of Harassment
The police chief's statements were supported by accounts from local residents. Lavyanna McCurty, a member of the Red Lake Nation, described an encounter with ICE agents on January 21, where she was boxed in by their vehicles after a minor accident. McCurty reported that the agents demanded her ID, and when she hesitated to show her tribal identification due to fears of ICE detaining Native Americans, the situation escalated. She recorded the incident, capturing the agents' confrontational behavior, including a comment from one officer suggesting he would "send [her] back to where [she] came from," referring to her reservation.
Larry Nimpson, another resident, recounted a frightening experience when he noticed an unmarked SUV following him. Upon entering the Brooklyn Park police station for safety, he discovered the SUV contained ICE agents who mistakenly identified him as someone else. Despite being a legal permanent resident, Nimpson felt threatened and intimidated during the encounter, which left him wary of going outside.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
The incidents reported by McCurty and Nimpson reflect a broader pattern of concern regarding ICE's tactics in Brooklyn Park. Emmanuel Sackie, a U.S. citizen originally from Liberia, also reported being violently detained by ICE in a case of mistaken identity. These experiences have led to increased fear among community members, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. Nimpson noted, "I'm pretty cautious and trying to stay off the street," indicating a significant impact on daily life for residents.
Official Responses and Community Reactions
The Brooklyn Park Police Department produced 11 incident reports related to ICE enforcement in January, revealing a troubling trend of harassment. Bruley's public condemnation of ICE's actions is notable, as it is uncommon for local law enforcement to criticize federal agencies. The department advised residents like McCurty to file complaints with the Department of Homeland Security if they felt agents acted unprofessionally.
Conflicting Reports and Ongoing Concerns
Despite the allegations, ICE has not publicly responded to the specific incidents mentioned. The situation raises questions about the agency's operational practices and their effects on community trust. As residents continue to express fear and anxiety regarding ICE's presence, the need for accountability and transparency in immigration enforcement remains a pressing issue in Brooklyn Park.
