HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

Human Impact Project

A living database documenting reported immigration enforcement incidents and their human impact.

Dakota woman detained 48 hours by ICE agents in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Jan 16, 2026 · Brooklyn Center, MN

Dakota woman detained 48 hours by ICE agents in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota

Sophie Watso, a 30-year-old Mdewakanton Dakota woman, was detained by ICE agents on January 14, 2026, after monitoring immigration enforcement activity in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. During her arrest, agents broke her truck windows and physically restrained her while she held her dog. She was charged under U.S. Code 18 Section 111 for allegedly obstructing a federal investigation, though no formal charges were filed. She was held for over 48 hours at Fort Snelling's Whipple Building and Sherbourne County Jail before being released on January 16, 2026, without charges being formally filed.

Timeline

Jan 16, 2026Watso released from custody after 48 hours without formal charges being filed
Jan 14, 2026Sophie Watso detained by ICE agents after monitoring immigration activity near Brooklyn Center; arrested with truck windows broken during restraint while holding dog; charged under 18 U.S. Code Section 111
Jan 14, 2026Watso transported to Fort Snelling detention facility

Sources

More incidents in Minnesota