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Naturalized US citizen detained by Border Patrol agent during Operation Metro Surge

Jan 15, 2026 · Minneapolis, MN

Naturalized US citizen detained by Border Patrol agent during Operation Metro Surge

Ramon Menera, a naturalized US citizen born in Mexico, was detained by a US Border Patrol agent outside his home in a Minneapolis suburb on January 14, 2026, while walking with his five-year-old daughter. The agent cited Menera's accent as the reason for questioning. His citizenship was verified through federal records and he was released. The incident, part of Operation Metro Surge, has prompted legal challenges alleging racial profiling and civil rights violations, with lawsuits filed by the Minnesota Attorney General and the ACLU.

Timeline

Jan 15, 2026Ramon Menera detained by Border Patrol agent outside his Minneapolis suburb home; agent questioned his citizenship based on accent; incident occurred in front of his 5-year-old daughter
Jan 15, 2026Menera's citizenship verified through valid US passport card; released from detention

Sources

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