Hennepin County Sheriff Addresses Federal Arrests At Ridgedale Courthouse

MINNETONKA, MN — The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office released a statement following a Dec. 29 incident involving federal law enforcement conducting arrests at the Ridgedale Courthouse.

In the statement, the Sheriff’s Office emphasized that it does not participate in civil immigration enforcement and does not work with federal agencies on civil immigration matters.

"The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is aware of yesterday’s incident involving federal law enforcement conducting arrests at the Ridgedale Courthouse," the statement said.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, its role at county courthouses is limited to court security and maintaining order.

"The Sheriff’s Office is mandated to provide court security, preserve the peace, and act as officers of the court within Hennepin County courthouses, including Ridgedale," the statement said.

"That responsibility includes ensuring the safety of all individuals present and maintaining order in and around court facilities."

The agency said deputies are present at courthouses every day court is in session but do not have the authority to stop other law enforcement agencies from carrying out their duties.

"Our deputies do not have the authority to prevent other law enforcement agencies from carrying out their lawful duties," the statement said.

"While we may be present in shared public spaces, we do not direct or control the actions of other agencies operating under their own legal authority."

The Sheriff’s Office added that additional deputies may be deployed if there is concern about safety or disruptions.

"When there is potential for heightened tensions or large crowds, the Sheriff’s Office may deploy additional deputies for the sole purpose of maintaining safety and preventing disruptions to court operations," the statement said.

The statement did not identify which federal agency conducted the arrests or how many people were taken into custody.