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.
Damn right hell yeah!! 3 of his American workers legal here not illegal aliens threw his ass unda the bus lmfao,ask him what he was paying these illegals LMFAO
If I worked for this crook I would have done the same ,ice ice baby!!!!
This dude is ruined LMFAO no more impressing his buddies thinking he got bank LMAO the whole time being a cheap ass hiring illegals for nothing LMFAO reap what you sew fat boy
The answer is lmfao don’t hire illegals duhhhh
What families where they at? Just asking for ice!
Thats good …come here the legal way …and you won’t have to be worried!!!
What about the fines and jail time for the businesses that continue to hire them…
Excuse me, they work harder and harder for less and less for businesses that avoid penalties… god bless capitalism, that puts profits ahead of people in any chance they get.
No shock. Most probably a complaint or report was made to ICE by a concerned citizen or a contractor that hires a lawful crew of roofers. They followed up and the result was the operation. Pretty standard stuff.
Maybe it should say “ ice raid detains illegal immigrants”
Need to arrest the contractor too he hired them
Bemidji known for its infamous drug problem nd now racist foofers lmfao
Honestly that’s good but would be even better if the employers got at least a fine but preferably a felony and a complete business confiscation greedy fucks crying about my felony and destroying this country get fucked
We’re they U.S. citizens?
If they are illegal send them back to where they come from. Period
There are very valid reasons why the construction industry in this country, and
especially the roofing industry hires Mexican workers, some of whom are. undocumented.
Google the question as I did because I wondered. There are many answers and I learned something so I would not make. foolish comments that showed my ignorance. .
That’s good, I hope ice keeps putting them.n jail cells the illegal immigrants are not welcome here. If you’re not legal, get out.
Id say my two cents but it wont matter… its the somalians that are the problem, thats all im going to say
So another words Federal law was enforced
Was staying at a hotel in Bemidji, my granddaughter I were in the hot tub, and one of the construction workers that didn’t speak english was jacking off in the hot tub!!!! I immediately took my grandkids out of there and went to the front desk. They looked at video and sure enough, they were kicked out. How FREAKING SICK CAN YOU BE?
Go ICE!!
Good 👍
I’m shocked it didn’t happen sooner.
Oft the white privilege round hurr
Go ICE! Except job!
Go to gas station. BP buy Wal-Mart there’s some working there
Why is that shocking? It’s the law but when it’s enforced everyone’s shocked. The thieving Somalians get by with millions in fraud and get away or run away or get a minimal sentence, that’s much more shocking and disturbing
Icy-Mon Gotta catch em all
Boo hoo
Go gett um ice
Get more. Minnesota is a shithole.
I Love ICE !
Should read Bemidji illegal workers arrested by ice and the employer is going to be charged with the crimes he committed
Great news!!!