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Matthew A.: Minnesota rapper tackled and sprayed by ICE at protest

Matthew Allen, known as rapper Nur-D, was chased, tackled, pepper-sprayed and briefly detained by federal agents while protesting a fatal ICE shooting, leaving him with a knee injury.

Jan 24, 2026Minneapolis, MN

Matthew A.: Minnesota rapper tackled and sprayed by ICE at protest
Photo via Rolling Stone

Matthew Allen, a Twin Cities musician known as Nur-D, was chased, tackled, and sprayed with a chemical agent by federal immigration officers while protesting the fatal shooting of VA nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. Officers told him he was being arrested for assaulting a federal officer, a charge Allen says was baseless, and he repeatedly identified himself as a U.S. citizen while pinned to the ground. He was later thrown from a vehicle at an unknown location, refused an order to remove his clothing, and was eventually taken by ambulance to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment after demanding medical attention. Allen has since retained attorneys, including civil rights lawyer John Burris, and says he continues to walk with a knee brace and a limp.

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