Bemidji ICE Operation Detains Roof Workers
Bemidji (trfnews.i234.me) — Several construction workers were detained Thursday afternoon at Villas at Vista North in Bemidji.
The workers were reportedly roofing buildings at the apartment complex when federal agents arrived.
Residents told the Bemidji Pioneer that the scene became tense fast.
One resident said several workers ran between homes after vehicles arrived near Vista Way Northwest.
The resident said agents wore gear marked “Police” and “ICE.”
Another neighbor called 911 after seeing agents near her back patio.
Officials Say Operation Was Targeted
State Rep. Bidal Duran said he spoke with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after the operation.
Duran said ICE described it as a targeted enforcement action.
He said agents were looking for specific people.
Those people had prior removal orders or other immigration violations, according to Duran.
Duran said ICE did not confirm how many people were detained.
A resident said he saw three people in handcuffs and leg irons.
However, some community members claimed more people may have been taken into custody.
City Says Local Police Did Not Assist
Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince said several contractor employees were detained during the federal operation.
City officials said local police did not coordinate or take part in the ICE action.
The City of Bemidji later said police were notified shortly before the operation began.
Officials said ICE also conducted a traffic stop early Friday.
An unknown number of people were detained during that stop.
City Manager Rich Spiczka said the matter remains under federal control.
He said the city has received little information from federal officials.
Families Seek Help After Detentions
Magali Balero later posted a GoFundMe for her boyfriend, Mario Perez.
Balero said Perez was detained while roofing in Bemidji.
She said he has no criminal record and needs help with legal fees.
Patty Mendoza also shared her family’s story online.
She said her father was working at the site when the operation happened.
Mendoza said her family later saw images of him in handcuffs.
She said her father is the family’s main source of income.
Officials said the ICE operation in Bemidji has ended.
Duran said residents should contact local or federal officials with concerns.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
