Federal agents withdraw from Minnesota after chaotic ICE protests turn bizarre

A protest outside an ICE facility escalated into surreal chaos, with dildos flying at officers. Now, 700 federal agents are gone—but tensions remain.

, and Administrator

2026 February 27 . 5:07 PM

1 min read

The image shows a large group of people walking down a street in front of a building, some of them... — The image shows a large group of people walking down a street in front of a building, some of them holding placards and banners, while others are riding bicycles. There are also sign boards with poles, trees, and a clear blue sky in the background. The people are participating in a protest march in Washington, D.C. on January 21, 2020.

Federal agents withdraw from Minnesota after chaotic ICE protests turn bizarre

Federal agents have been pulled out of Minnesota after weeks of rising tensions. The move follows a protest where demonstrators threw adult toys at officers outside an ICE facility. The clash came one month after a fatal shooting involving immigration enforcement in the state.

The federal government announced the withdrawal of 700 ICE and CBP agents from Minnesota. This decision came after a chaotic protest at the Whipple Federal Building, a site used for detaining migrants. Videos from the scene showed officers retrieving thrown objects—including dildos—before tossing them back into the crowd.

At least 42 people were arrested during Saturday's demonstrations, which grew more heated as the day went on. The protest marked one month since Renee Good was fatally shot by ICE officers. Critics have long accused the agency's Operation Metro Surge of excessive force and violent detentions.

Local businesses, including Smitten Kitten, an adult shop, had been supplying protesters with gear. Meanwhile, Republicans have repeatedly called Minnesota a refuge for 'criminal illegal immigrants' and 'domestic terrorists.' President Donald Trump had previously promised 'retribution and vengeance' against the state.

The withdrawal leaves Minnesota with fewer federal immigration agents. The protests and arrests highlight ongoing conflicts over ICE's operations. The agency's future actions in the region remain uncertain.