Red Lake Nation descendant detained and struck by ICE agents during traffic stop
Jan 9, 2026·Location: Robbinsdale, MN

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
Sources
- Five Native Americans detained by ICE during ongoing raids in Minneapolis
ictnews.org·Jan 9, 2026·archived copy
- ICE detained Native Americans in Minneapolis and tribes are furious
wheninyourstate.com·Feb 4, 2026·archived copy
- Tribal leaders: ICE detaining American Indians in MN sweeps
www2.startribune.com·Jan 12, 2026·archived copy
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