Federal Raid On Lake Street Sparks Protest, Sheriff Clarifies Role

MINNEAPOLIS — A federal law enforcement operation took place Tuesday near Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street in South Minneapolis, prompting a crowd of residents to gather and protest.

Images and video posted online showed armed personnel outside a building as the crowd chanted and confronted the officers.

The Minneapolis Police Department stated on social media that it was not involved in the operation and had not been given advance notice. "MPD was NOT involved in any immigration enforcement activities today," the department said. "Any claims to the contrary are false."

The department added that its officers responded only after the crowd began forming "to ensure the crowd and the surrounding area remained safe."

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, however, confirmed it had partnered with federal agencies on a criminal investigation involving multiple search warrants at locations across the Twin Cities, including the Minneapolis site.

"This incident was not related to any immigration enforcement," the Sheriff’s Office stated. "HCSO has no involvement in civil immigration."

As of Tuesday afternoon, no federal agency had publicly identified the target or nature of the investigation.

This is a breaking news story.