Immigration Lawyer Clarifies ICE’s Powers Amid Minneapolis Crackdown and Protests
January 21, 2026
In Minneapolis, ICE agents have been stopping cars amid ongoing immigration crackdowns. Immigration attorney Brad Bernstein clearly explained what ICE can and cannot do. "ICE does not have unlimited power. They cannot just pull you out of your car because you refuse to answer questions. They cannot force you to open your door just because they say 'ICE Open the door'. They need lawful authority," Bernstein said.
He defined lawful authority in two ways: first, a judicial warrant signed by a judge, not just an ICE or Homeland Security paper; second, a real emergency like hot pursuit or immediate danger. "Immigration enforcement alone is not an emergency," Bernstein added.
Bernstein advised people that they have the right to stay silent, speak through a closed door, or ask for a judge's warrant. If ICE tries to open the door without proper authority, do not resist. "Don't fight them. Don't argue with them. And don't resist. You stay calm, you stay silent and ask for a lawyer," he said. "Street confrontation makes things worse."
Tensions in Minneapolis rose sharply after Renee Good, a local woman, was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Authorities labelled Good a domestic terrorist, accusing her of trying to run over the agent. This event has sparked widespread protests against ICE.
Following these events, a Minnesota church was disrupted during Sunday worship by anti-ICE protesters, adding fuel to the ongoing debate and unrest over immigration enforcement in the city.
Read More at Timesofindia →
Tags:
Ice
Minneapolis
Immigration law
Arrest Powers
Rights
Protests
Comments