The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded to viral videos showing U.S. Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis deploying canisters that released green smoke, saying the agents used “crowd control measures” after being surrounded by what the agency described as a hostile crowd.
Why It Matters
The incident unfolded during Operation Metro Surge—an intensified immigration enforcement push in the Twin Cities that has drawn legal challenges, street demonstrations, and renewed scrutiny over how federal officers use force during public confrontations.
It also came the same day a federal appeals court temporarily paused a lower-court order that had restricted federal agents from using pepper spray and other munitions against peaceful protesters.
Tensions have been running especially high since the January 7 shooting death of Renee Good in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, which has fueled protests and demands for accountability amid the broader federal operation.
What To Know
Videos circulating on social media show agents launching the green smoke on Wednesday in Minneapolis during daytime encounters with crowds.
One video geolocated to Mueller Park shows the green agent being deployed after protesters reportedly followed federal agents from a nearby gas station, with additional white and green agents visible and an officer appearing to drag a person in the street, CNN reports.
DHS Response
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said federal agents operating in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area were repeatedly confronted while trying to make routine stops.
“Today, Border Patrol agents who were in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area as part of a targeted enforcement operation were repeatedly harassed and blocked by hostile crowds while simply trying to take bathroom breaks,” McLaughlin said.
She alleged that at multiple gas stations, groups appeared and “yelled at them, stalked them,” and attempted to prevent law enforcement vehicles from leaving. She also claimed people threw food at agents at one stop, and that at the final gas station stop, “someone spit on an agent.”
“When an agent moved to detain the person who spit on him, the crowd tackled and attacked the agents while surrounding them,” McLaughlin said. “To safely clear the area agents had to use crowd control measures to disperse the hostile crowd.”
What Was Heard on the Street
The Associated Press reported that Border Patrol chief Gregory Bovino was recorded in Minneapolis warning, “Gas is coming!” before throwing a canister that released green smoke—shortly after the appeals court stayed restrictions on federal agents.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, on X Wednesday: “Minnesota Court Victory: A liberal judge in Minnesota tried to handcuff ICE agents who are enforcing the Nation’s immigration laws and responding to obstructive and violent interference from agitators. The 8th Circuit just granted an administrative stay HALTING these restrictions, which were designed to undermine federal law enforcement. This DOJ will protect federal law enforcement agents from criminals in the streets AND activist judges in the courtroom.”
Gregory Bovino, on X Monday: “Anarchists threaten American citizens now in the same way they did in 2020 Minneapolis. The US Border Patrol has zero tolerance for violence.”
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, on X Wednesday: “The 3,000 ICE and federal agents in Minnesota outnumber all 10 metro police departments combined. Local law enforcement leaders have made it clear that this surge is disrupting public safety, stretching resources, and making their jobs more difficult. ICE is making us less safe.”
What Happens Next
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Minnesota on Thursday and speak on “restoring law and order,” according to the White House.
