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Red Lake Nation descendant detained and struck by ICE agents during traffic stop

Jan 9, 2026 · Robbinsdale, MN

Red Lake Nation descendant detained and struck by ICE agents during traffic stop

Jose Roberto Ramirez, a 20-year-old descendant of the Red Lake Nation, was detained by ICE agents on January 8, 2026, after being pulled over at a Hy-Vee grocery store in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. According to one account, agents struck him on his face and body during the arrest despite his aunt identifying him as a citizen and Native American. Ramirez is not enrolled in the Red Lake Nation due to the tribe's blood quantum requirement and had no tribal identification. He was released after his mother provided his birth certificate. ICE later claimed he assaulted a federal officer; Ramirez denies the charge and has since been charged with assaulting a federal officer. Red Lake Nation's legal department provided assistance with documentation of his citizenship and family tribal connection.

Timeline

Jan 9, 2026ICE claimed Ramirez assaulted a federal officer; Ramirez denied charge and was subsequently charged with assaulting a federal officer
Jan 8, 2026Jose Roberto Ramirez detained by ICE agents after traffic stop at Hy-Vee in Robbinsdale, Minnesota; agents struck him during arrest
Jan 8, 2026Ramirez released after mother provided birth certificate; Red Lake Nation legal department assisted with citizenship documentation

Sources

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