HUMSI — Human Security Initiative

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Minneapolis man beaten by ICE agents, assault charges dismissed after credibility concerns

Jun 2026 · Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis man beaten by ICE agents, assault charges dismissed after credibility concerns

Paul Johnson and at least 17 other individuals were charged with assaulting federal officers during an ICE operation in Minneapolis in January 2026. Johnson reported that ICE and CBP agents boxed in his truck, swarmed him, and struck him repeatedly with punches and pepper spray. He was shackled to a hospital bed for five days following the incident. Federal prosecutors dismissed charges against all 18 defendants by June 2026 after a federal magistrate and judge raised concerns about the credibility of sworn affidavits submitted by federal agents, including one HSI agent whose statements lacked personal knowledge of events. The dismissals cited insufficient evidence and misconduct by federal agents.

Timeline

Jun 2026Federal judge dismissed charges against 15 defendants; three additional dismissals approved or pending. Dismissals based on insufficient evidence, federal agent misconduct, false testimony, and improper detention conditions
Jan 2026Paul Johnson and others beaten by ICE and CBP agents during Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis; Johnson shackled to hospital bed for five days
Jan 2026Paul Johnson and at least 17 others charged with assaulting federal officers

Sources

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