A video circulating on social media has reignited the controversy surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Minnesota, showing the exact moment an agent physically assaults Minneapolis City Council President Elliot Payne while he was observing an operation. Immigration officer in broad daylight.

The incident occurred Monday night on Central Avenue, in the northeast of the city, an area where an increase in federal raids has been reported in recent weeks.

Payne explained that his presence in the area was intended to document ICE actions and verify that they were carried out in accordance with the law. “What I've been trying to do is be present on Central Avenue to make sure that the activities are conducted legally and lawfully,” the city official stated.

According to his testimony, the situation became tense when an agent approached him from behind and pushed him forcefully, staying almost causing him to fall.

“I could barely on my feet because he pushed me so hard,” said Payne, who reported that the incident occurred shortly after he filmed a public service announcement with State Senator Dorian Clark and Councilman Jason Chavez. Images shared on social media show an ICE agent, dressed in an Enforcement and Deportation Operations uniform, pushing Payne and another protester on a public sidewalk, sparking a wave of criticism for the use of force. “A direct attack on democracy.” Following the altercation, Payne questioned the training and procedures of the agents involved. According to the city council leader, the conduct of the Enforcement and Deportation Operations (ERO) officers was not only rude but also demonstrated a troubling lack of professionalism. Payne strongly criticized the agents' training, noting that they seemed “completely unprepared” for the presence of onlookers on a public sidewalk. “This is a completely disproportionate response and is not in accordance with our Constitution. Our community and our country must understand that this is a direct attack on our democracy,” the City Council President emphasized.Payne warned that if an elected official acting in the course of their duties was treated this way, the situation could be even more serious for other city residents. “If this is how they treat the Minneapolis City Council President, think about what they are doing to the rest of the city,” he noted. Despite what happened, the official assured that he will continue to attend immigration operations as an observer. He stated that he considers it essential for the community to remain organized and for local authorities to report transparently on ICE actions in Minneapolis, in a context of growing tension between federal agencies and local governments.