MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A video showing a U.S. citizen, Aliya Rahman, being forcibly removed from her car by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis has gone viral, highlighting the escalating federal crackdown in the city. Rahman, on her way to a medical appointment at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center, says she was denied medical care after being detained and lost consciousness while in custody.
Rahman’s attorney, Alexa Van Brunt of the MacArthur Justice Center, described her as caught in an impossible situation. She could either move her vehicle and risk being accused of harming ICE officers—an incident that recently resulted in Renee Good’s death—or remain stationary, which led to physical abuse.
The Department of Homeland Security disputed Rahman’s account, calling her an “agitator” who ignored multiple commands to move. DHS said six others were also arrested for allegedly obstructing agents. The department did not clarify whether Rahman faced charges.
Widespread Detentions and Viral Footage
Rahman’s case is one of many recent incidents capturing federal agents’ aggressive tactics on social media. Videos show:
- Immigration officers breaking car windows and dragging civilians from vehicles.
- Use of pepper spray on protesters.
- Battering rams used to enter homes, sometimes with children present.
- Detention of U.S. citizens, who were later released.
Monica Bicking, a local nurse, reported witnessing federal agents using excessive force during arrests. Residents describe heightened vigilance and fear when leaving their homes, carrying whistles or preparing for encounters with ICE agents.
Medical Neglect and Aftermath
Rahman was eventually taken to a hospital after losing consciousness in her detention cell and received treatment for injuries consistent with assault. She expressed gratitude to hospital staff for saving her life.
This incident comes amid protests and controversy over federal immigration operations in Minneapolis, which local officials have called a “federal invasion,” raising concerns about legality, use of force, and civil rights violations.
