Minneapolis ICE raid draws fire as pregnant woman pinned on pavement, sparking outcry

ICE raid on pregnant woman sparks outrage

A viral video showing US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents forcibly pinning a pregnant woman to the ground in Minneapolis has reignited debate over the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation tactics.

The incident occurred on Monday during 'Operation Metro Surge'. Neighbours captured footage from multiple angles showing the pregnant woman being forced face-down into the snow while ICE officers handcuffed and dragged her across the icy pavement by one arm. Residents could be heard shouting, “She is pregnant! She's pregnant!” and “She can't breathe!” as they hurled snowballs at the agents to intervene.

CBS News reported that the tense standoff escalated, with at least four residents who attempted to protect the woman taken into federal custody. Social media users condemned the actions as ‘inhumane’, arguing the enforcement exceeded ethical boundaries. Federal officials, however, defended the operation, asserting that such measures are necessary whenever crowds interfere with law enforcement activity.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defended the operation in general. In a statement last week, Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary, said, “ICE law enforcement officers have arrested more than 400 illegal aliens including pedophiles, rapists, and violent thugs since Operation Metro Surge began. Tim Walz and Jacob Frey failed to protect the people of Minnesota. They let these monsters and child predators roam free.”

She added, “Thanks to our brave law enforcement, Minnesota is safer with these thugs off their streets. Instead of thanking our law enforcement for removing criminals from their communities, Tim Walz and Jacob Frey continue to demonize our brave law enforcement.”

This is not the first video showing ICE using forceful tactics. In October 2025, viral footage captured raids affecting families, including toddlers. During “Operation Midway Blitz” in Illinois, Human Rights Watch documented excessive force against protesters, journalists, and medics near an ICE facility. In November 2025, ICE reportedly used tear gas during detentions in Chicago, including against a 15-year-old girl. In December 2025, a US green card holder in Massachusetts filed a lawsuit alleging violent and unlawful detention by ICE, including rough treatment of her autistic child.