Couple Drives to Police Station with DHS Agent Trapped Inside

A man and a woman have been charged with assaulting a federal officer following a tense encounter with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents in Plymouth, Minnesota. The incident occurred when they attempted to arrest Oluwadamilola Ogooluwa Bamigboye for overstaying his student visa.

Details of the Incident

On a Wednesday, the HSI agents were conducting surveillance in an unmarked Ford Explorer. Their focus was on Bamigboye’s Kia Optima, which was parked outside an apartment complex. Rekeya Lionesha Lee Frazier, 23, arrived in a Jeep SUV alongside Bamigboye, 24, who was seated in the front passenger seat.

Upon noticing the unmarked vehicle, Bamigboye allegedly donned a mask and exited the Jeep. The HSI agents approached the Jeep, identified themselves, and inquired about Bamigboye’s immigration status. In response, Bamigboye reportedly jumped into the back seat and urged Frazier to drive away.

Attempt to Escape

• HSI agents attempted to prevent their escape.
• One agent entered the front seat while another attempted to remove Bamigboye from the back.
• Frazier drove off, involuntarily carrying an HSI agent.

During the drive, the HSI agent struggled to regain control of the Jeep as Frazier allegedly threatened to crash the vehicle. The agent was unfamiliar with the area and feared for his safety, believing he was being abducted.

Police Pursuit and Arrest

While in the back seat, Bamigboye called 911, as indicated in the Plymouth Police Department report. HSI agents pursued the Jeep with lights and sirens activated. Frazier only stopped after arriving at the New Hope Police Department.

After stopping, Bamigboye exited the vehicle and fled into a nearby Hy-Vee grocery store. Frazier remained in the Jeep and was ultimately arrested by responding officers. An HSI agent followed Bamigboye into the store, where he was confronted by police officers. A taser was deployed when Bamigboye refused to comply, leading to his arrest.

Current Status of the Suspects

Bamigboye and Frazier are currently being held at the Sherburne County Jail, where federal defendants are typically detained during pretrial proceedings. Frazier has not provided statements to investigators, while Bamigboye initially denied the HSI agents displayed their badges but acknowledged instructing Frazier to drive away. Additionally, he mentioned suffering from PTSD due to a previous kidnapping in Nigeria.

This situation highlights the complex interactions between federal enforcement and individuals regarding immigration status, as well as the potential dangers faced by law enforcement officers during such encounters.