Minnesota authorities finally drew a hard line this week as anti-ICE agitators crossed from “protest” into outright lawlessness, resulting in multiple arrests outside a SpringHill Suites hotel in Maple Grove on January 26. The demonstrators, part of the now-familiar far-left anti-border enforcement movement, targeted the hotel after falsely believing it was housing Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino.
What began as another routine left-wing demonstration quickly devolved into chaos. Protesters hurled objects at police officers, vandalized property, and refused repeated orders to disperse. Police ultimately declared the gathering an unlawful assembly and moved in to restore order—an action many conservatives say is long overdue in a state that has spent years appeasing radical activists.
The arrests mark a notable shift in Minnesota’s approach to handling anti-ICE unrest, following recent pressure from President Trump and a quiet but telling reversal by Governor Tim Walz. After weeks of defiance, Walz appears to have backed down in discussions with the White House, leading to renewed cooperation between local police and federal immigration authorities.
In a statement, a Maple Grove Police Department spokesperson emphasized that the department supports peaceful protest—but only up to a point.
“The Maple Grove Police Department respects and upholds the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views,” the spokesperson said. “Our priority remains the safety and security of all residents, visitors, and property within our community.”
That tolerance ended when the crowd turned violent.
“At that point, the activity was no longer considered peaceful,” the spokesperson added. “Individuals participating in criminal acts are not protected under the First Amendment and were subject to arrest.”
Meanwhile, rumors spread by activist networks claimed that Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino had been relieved of his duties. Homeland Security quickly shut that down. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed Bovino has “NOT been relieved” and remains a “key part of the President’s team,” despite ongoing threats and intimidation from left-wing extremists.
Video of the arrests circulated widely online, showing police detaining demonstrators as the crowd shouted and jeered. Conservatives flooded social media applauding the move.
“I guarantee the hotel called and asked for this,” one commenter noted. “There are other guests and staff who shouldn’t have to endure this circus.” Another joked, “Amazing what happens after a phone call from our president.”
Adding insult to injury for the protesters, ICE agents were reportedly seen calmly having beers nearby, watching as police hauled agitators away—an image many conservatives described as poetic justice.
Still, skepticism remains. Some users warned that Minneapolis-area judges may quickly release those arrested with minimal or no consequences, a pattern critics say has emboldened repeat offenders.
“There’s no real-world accountability,” one commenter wrote. “They wear the arrests like a badge of honor.”
The White House, however, made clear this crackdown is just the beginning. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated President Trump’s expectations for Minnesota’s Democrat leadership.
“Governor Walz, Mayor Frey, and all Democrat leaders should turn over all criminal illegal aliens currently incarcerated in their prisons and jails to federal authorities,” Leavitt said, calling for immediate deportations of those with criminal records or active warrants.
She added that local police must assist ICE moving forward, noting that cooperation between federal and local law enforcement is already working smoothly in many other states.
The message from Washington is unmistakable: the era of sanctuary-state chaos is coming to an end—and Minnesota may finally be getting the memo.
