Federal Agents Deploy Chemical Irritants in St. Paul Crowd Clash
On Tuesday afternoon, law enforcement faced intense opposition in the Payne-Phalen neighborhood of St. Paul, Minnesota. Federal agents and city police clashed with a gathering crowd of protesters, leading to the deployment of chemical irritants.
Incident Overview
The confrontation began late Tuesday morning near the intersection of Maryland and Payne avenues. A large crowd had formed when masked federal agents arrived at the scene alongside St. Paul police officers.
Use of Chemical Irritants
- Federal agents and police deployed tear gas and pepper balls in response to crowd actions.
- Protesters reportedly threw objects at the officers, escalating tensions.
- City Councilmember Hwa Jeong Kim described the events as “completely unacceptable.”
Responses from Officials
Mayor Melvin Carter arrived at the scene, expressing a desire for clarity regarding the clash. “We’re going to have to get to the bottom of this,” he stated, assuring the public that all officers were wearing body cameras during the incident.
St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry previously emphasized that local law enforcement does not engage in immigration-focused operations. He asserted that while officers do assist federal agents in emergencies, their priority remains public safety.
Context of Federal Law Enforcement Actions
This conflict follows a federal raid at Bro-Tex, Inc., a paper distribution company in St. Paul, where 14 individuals were arrested in connection with immigration operations. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed the exact charges against those arrested.
Footage from earlier operations showed federal agents, some in FBI and DEA attire, engaging with protesters and deploying chemical irritants. Community members attempted to block federal vehicles from departing the scene, leading to physical confrontations.
Looking Ahead
This story is still unfolding, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. The community remains vigilant as discussions about the role of federal actions in local neighborhoods continue.
