Federal Agents Conduct Arrests in Willmar, Raising Community Concerns

Federal agents from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a series of arrests in Willmar, Minnesota, on October 30, 2023. Witnesses reported seeing six to eight agents in downtown Willmar apprehending a 19-year-old Somali woman and arresting a man at the Jennie-O Turkey Store processing plant. The incident has sparked significant community outrage and concern regarding the treatment of individuals with legal immigration status.

Following the arrests, an impromptu rally dubbed “ICE Out” occurred on the afternoon of October 31 at the location where the young woman was taken. Community members have raised questions about ICE’s claims to be targeting only violent criminals, stating that at least two of those apprehended in Willmar did not have criminal records and maintained legal immigration status.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has insisted that its operations focus on the “worst of the worst,” yet local officials argue that this assertion does not align with the reality on the ground. According to ICE’s own statistics, only 19 individuals classified as serious criminals were arrested in Minnesota out of more than 1,500 detentions reported as of January 8.

Pablo Obregon, Director of Community Growth in Willmar, expressed concern over the impact of these arrests on the community. “When people say who they are arresting, are they arresting just regular, hardworking people, or are they arresting the worst of the worst?” he questioned. Obregon noted that changes in immigration regulations have left individuals with legal status vulnerable to detention, which has instigated fear among families who have contributed significantly to the community.

The family and friends of the 19-year-old woman, who is still attending high school, reported that they were unaware of her arrest until a bystander captured video footage. Shafia Abdullahi, cultural liaison at Willmar Public Schools, highlighted the emotional toll on the family, stating, “You’re treating her like she’s a felon… even murderers are innocent until proven guilty.”

As of the morning following her arrest, ICE’s online database showed the woman as booked into their system, but her precise location remained undisclosed. Abdullahi clarified that the young woman entered the U.S. on a Form I-94, a legal arrival/departure record issued by the Department of Homeland Security. “She came here as a refugee. She does have legal status,” Abdullahi affirmed, adding that the family is currently in the process of obtaining Green Card status.

The individual arrested at the Jennie-O facility was also confirmed to have legal immigration status. In an earlier discussion, Hunter Pagel, human resources manager at Jennie-O, reassured that the company employs individuals who are vetted and hold legal documentation.

The community has felt the repercussions of the arrests throughout the school system, with reports indicating that approximately 90% of Somali students did not attend school the day after the incidents. Many parents, who work at the school, stayed home to care for their children, further disrupting the educational environment.

Abdullahi recounted her experience witnessing the arrest. She stated that ICE agents used a chemical irritant on the crowd, which included children. Local emergency medical services were called to evaluate at least one child affected by the irritant. “Once the girl got snatched, we heard that they were also at Jennie-O Turkey Store, where they were also kidnapping another guy,” she said.

The young woman’s mother reported that federal agents had been following her daughter from a parking lot to her home and then to downtown Willmar, where she was picking up food for her family. Abdullahi remarked on the distressing nature of the situation, stating, “She wasn’t walking outside. She was inside her car when they took her.”

Concerns have been raised about ICE’s methods of operation, particularly regarding targeting individuals based on ethnicity. Obregon expressed that the community is witnessing a loss of trust, emphasizing the need for due process. “There is a due process that happens, and that’s not happening,” he noted. Abdullahi echoed these sentiments, stating that the Somali community feels racially profiled.

The family of the arrested woman has reportedly gone into hiding, recognizing the precariousness of their situation. Abdullahi criticized ICE’s actions, asserting that the agency is instilling fear rather than enforcing lawful immigration practices. “ICE is supposed to be patrolling criminals. These people are not criminals,” she said.

Obregon highlighted the importance of fostering a welcoming environment in Willmar, as the community grapples with feelings of division and anxiety. “We need to take care of each other. We need to encourage our neighbors,” he urged, advocating for peaceful and positive expressions of unity.

As of October 31, requests for comment sent to ICE and Customs and Border Protection remained unanswered. The situation in Willmar reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities.