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Immigration agents using obscure law to detain U.S. citizens

Feb 19, 2026 · Minneapolis, MN

Immigration agents using obscure law to detain U.S. citizens

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.

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