A video captured the moment a federal agent deployed a chemical irritant during a confrontation outside Minneapolis’ Roosevelt High School on Wednesday.
According to the Minneapolis Federation of Educators, ICE agents were present outside Roosevelt High School Wednesday afternoon. The union alleged agents deployed tear gas, but later stated it was pepper spray, and “abducted” a school staff member who was assisting with a safe dismissal process. The educator was later released, the union said.
However, the Department of Homeland Security stated that Border Patrol agents were in the area following a five-mile pursuit of a U.S. citizen who had allegedly rammed a government vehicle. Federal officials claim the situation escalated when a crowd formed and individuals threw objects at officers.
After issuing several warnings, DHS said officers used “targeted crowd control for the safety of law enforcement and the public” adding that “no tear gas was deployed.”
The incident occurred just hours after a fatal shooting involving an ICE agent in south Minneapolis.