Immigration agents using obscure law to detain U.S. citizens
Feb 19, 2026 · Minneapolis, MN

Immigration agents are using 18 U.S. Code 111, a federal statute, to detain American citizens who protest or document their operations. The Trump administration has increased use of the statute, with federal prosecutors charging approximately 12 times as many people under it in the first year compared to Biden's last year. Many cases have been dismissed or resulted in acquittals. Agents have charged individuals for recording and following officers. Senior administration officials have stated that recording agents in public does not violate federal law.
Sources
More incidents in Minnesota
- DHS surveilled Minnesota activists, unions with facial recognition and informantsAug 13, 2026 · Minneapolis, MN
- Father detained by ICE in May, family fights for his returnJul 31, 2026 · Minneapolis, MN
- Detained man files habeas petition challenging ICE detention in MinnesotaJul 22, 2026 · MN
- Twin Cities suburbs ban immigration searches on license plate camerasJul 21, 2026 · Fridley, MN
- Border Patrol apprehends suspects after chase from gas station to airport runwayJul 17, 2026 · Bemidji, MN
- Seven undocumented immigrants arrested in ICE targeted operation in BemidjiJul 16, 2026 · Bemidji, MN