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June 4, 2025 (MINNEAPOLIS) On Tuesday, June 3, shortly after 10 a.m., while attending a roll call for Operation Safe Summer IV, I was informed of a federal law enforcement operation underway near Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue. The Minneapolis Police Department was not involved in the planning or execution of the federal criminal search warrant.
At approximately 11:15 a.m.—more than an hour after the operation began—MPD was requested to assist with crowd control. Officers responded to help de-escalate and stabilize a rapidly escalating situation involving confrontations between members of a crowd and federal agents. MPD cleared from the area soon after 1:00 p.m.
The federal enforcement operation on June 3 focused on serious criminal activity, including drug trafficking and human trafficking—crimes that have no place in our communities. Yesterday’s actions were part of that criminal investigation, not an immigration raid.
Later, at 4:05 p.m., MPD officers responded to a separate property damage incident involving a crowd surrounding an occupied vehicle. Officers intervened, assisted the vehicle in leaving the area, and arrested two individuals for assaulting an officer during the process. That officer sustained minor injuries and was later cleared at a hospital.
What occurred on June 3 revealed just how sensitive and intense the issue of immigration enforcement remains in our city. While the federal operation was not related to immigration enforcement, the manner in which it was executed was tone deaf to the reality of tensions and fear in our community. I have communicated my concerns directly to our federal partners.
There was irresponsible misinformation shared on social media by some officials—statements made without gathering basic facts. That kind of rhetoric is harmful and only served to inflame tensions, increasing the danger to everyone involved. Elected officials have a responsibility to provide accurate information, especially during tense situations.
As Chief of Police, I have a sworn duty to protect the people of Minneapolis. When a situation escalates quickly and becomes dangerous—as it did on Tuesday—MPD has an obligation to step in, gather facts, and deescalate the situation to protect life and safety for everyone.
MPD operates under the City’s separation ordinance and does not participate in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
We rely heavily on our federal partners to combat violent crime, prosecute gang members, disrupt drug trafficking networks, and hold dangerous offenders accountable.
Chief Brian O’Hara
Minneapolis Police Department
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6-4-2025 - Statement from Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara Regarding Federal Criminal Search Warrant.pdf
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