Minnesota police arrested anti-ICE protesters outside the SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Maple Grove on January 26, 2026, after the demonstration escalated with objects thrown at officers and property damage, leading to an unlawful assembly declaration. Demonstrators targeted the hotel because they believed it to be the one in which Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was staying.
For context, this marks a major change in Minnesota police policy following a fateful conversation between President Trump and local leaders that followed Gov. Walz backing down to President Trump, during which the MPD apparently agreed to resume aid to enforcement efforts. Regardless, conservatives have rallied behind ICE and the president’s mandate.
Adding context, a Maple Grove police spokesperson announced, “The Maple Grove Police Department respects and upholds the First Amendment rights of individuals to peacefully assemble and express their views. Our priority remains the safety and security of all residents, visitors, and property within our community.”
Speaking directly to the violent protestors, the official noted, “At that point, the activity was no longer considered peaceful. Individuals participating in criminal acts are not protected under the First Amendment and were subject to arrest.”
Addressing rampant rumors, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that Gregory Bovino has “NOT been relieved of his duties” and remains a “key part of the President’s team.” This information comes amid widespread threats and intimidation from left-wing protestors.
Posting a dramatic video of the MPD, one user posted, “NOW: ARRESTS of Anti-ICE Protesters after Police declare an unlawful assembly outside of the Springhill Suites Hotel in Maple Grove Minnesota.” In the comments under this post, conservatives celebrated the move. Watch the video here:
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“I guarantee you the hotel called and asked for this to happen. There are others at that hotel that aren’t agents. Plus the employees having to suffer through the noise,” one woman suggested. Another joked, “Hmmmm and all it took was a phone call from our president…..” Adding to the humor was that ICE agents were spotting having beers and watching the protesters get arrested:
Cynically, one user asserted, “All of these people will be released by Minneapolis judges the next day or two and their charges dismissed. The people behind the fraud scandal got away with it. The people behind the insurrection got away with it.”
“They will all be released by tomorrow morning with zero charges. Its local police. They are all in on it, just like Portland. Same same,” another despondent reply read. Likewise, a user noted, “There’s no real world consequences from these arrests. They pay a small fine and where it as a badge of honor moving forward.”
Leavitt, laying out Trump’s goals, said, “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, along with any illegal aliens with active warrants or known criminal histories for immediate deportation,” adding, “State and local law enforcement must agree to turn over all illegal aliens arrested by local police.”
Building on this point, she posted, “Local police must assist federal law enforcement in apprehending and detaining illegal aliens wanted for crimes. ICE and local law enforcement can peacefully work together, as they are effectively doing in so many other states and jurisdictions, to remove violent criminals from American neighborhoods.”
Featured image from embedded video