US citizen observer thrown to ground by Border Patrol, ridiculed with selfies while handcuffed
Jan 2026·Location: Minneapolis, MN
Country of origin: United States
Nathan, a US citizen, was arrested by Border Patrol agents after following them and honking to notify nearby pedestrians of their presence. Despite having his hands up, agents threw him to the ground, handcuffed him, and drove him to the Whipple Federal Building. During the ride, agents ridiculed him and took selfies with him while he was handcuffed. At Whipple, agents discussed his case in front of him, and one asked if Nathan had his hands up the whole time — the others answered yes. He was initially told to sign a paper saying he committed assault, but after he refused, agents changed it to 'impeding an officer.'
Sources
- “A Manufactured Crisis”
hrw.org·Jun 18, 2026·archived copy
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