MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The arrest of Garrison Gibson, a 37-year-old Liberian man, during a weekend immigration raid in Minneapolis, has sparked allegations of overreach by immigration authorities and ignited protests in the community. Gibson was apprehended after heavily armed agents used a battering ram to gain access to his home, despite his compliance with prior check-ins with federal immigration officials.
Attorney Marc Prokosch described the arrest as a “blatant constitutional violation,” noting that agents acted on an administrative warrant, which does not authorize forced entry. The recent incident follows a tense week in Minneapolis, marked by protests following the shooting death of resident Renee Good by immigration agents. Activists and community members express outrage over the increase in aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
Gibson, who fled Liberia’s civil war as a child, reportedly has a legal status under an order of supervision that requires regular check-ins with immigration authorities. Prokosch reiterated that if Gibson posed a threat, he would not have been allowed to continue his life freely while engaging with authorities.
This situation is further complicated by recent statements from officials highlighting Gibson's past, which includes a 2008 drug conviction, later dismissed, and various minor offenses. However, Prokosch argues that Gibson's overall legal history is relatively minor, and questions the justification for the recent actions against him.
After his initial detention, Gibson was reportedly transferred to a facility in Texas but was quickly returned to Minnesota following a legal challenge. His current location is an immigration detention center in Albert Lea.
The immigration crackdown has stirred a blend of fear and anger within the community, leading to demonstrations where activists attempted to disrupt enforcement efforts. Video evidence shows clashes between protestors and immigration agents, heightening concerns over federal enforcement measures amidst accusations of excessive force.
Local officials are encouraging community members to document events surrounding the enforcement raids, particularly in light of the recent death of Good, as investigations into the incident continue. Over 2,000 arrests have occurred in Minnesota since the onset of this enforcement operation, prompting calls for accountability in the treatment of individuals involved.
