Minneapolis has officially crossed into the realm of the unthinkable. During escalating anti-ICE unrest, a federal law enforcement officer had his finger bitten off by an agitator in a violent attack Saturday, according to Homeland Security officials. Yes — bitten off. Apparently, “peaceful protest” now comes with dental assault.
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin shared graphic photos on social media showing the officer’s severed finger and confirmed the brutal incident. “In Minneapolis, these rioters attacked our law enforcement officer and one of them bit off our HSI officer’s finger,” she wrote. “He will lose his finger.” She also posted images of two individuals in custody, though authorities have not specified which one is accused of the attack.
Details surrounding the assault remain limited, but violence has surged following the deaths of two U.S. citizens during immigration enforcement operations in the city. The situation worsened just hours before McLaughlin’s post, when a Border Patrol agent was caught on video fatally shooting an armed man amid a crowd of agitators.
Homeland Security officials said the 37-year-old Minneapolis man, a U.S. citizen, approached agents while carrying a 9 mm pistol and two magazines and then “violently resisted.” Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino said during a Saturday news conference that the encounter appeared to involve someone intent on inflicting maximum harm. “It look[ed] like a situation where an individual wanted to do maximum damage and massacre law enforcement,” Bovino said.
As tensions boiled over, approximately 200 rioters reportedly arrived at the scene and began obstructing and assaulting officers. Bovino made it clear law enforcement would not tolerate the attacks. “We will not allow violence against our law enforcement officers, and we need state and local help,” he said, adding that Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Police Chief Brian O’Hara failed to disclose that the suspect had a gun and loaded magazines.
Bovino reiterated that anyone obstructing law enforcement is breaking the law and will be arrested. In response to the growing unrest, the Minnesota National Guard confirmed that additional troops will be deployed after the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office requested more support. This comes on top of forces already mobilized under the direction of Gov. Tim Walz.
While radicals escalate their tactics and put lives at risk, law enforcement continues to stand the line and protect the public under intense pressure. With reinforcements on the way and officers refusing to back down, order can still be restored — and the rule of law will prevail, exactly as it should in a nation that values safety and justice.
