What we know about the Northern Minnesota immigration raids

3 hours ago

Matt McConico,

Two people detained at El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill in Hibbing, Minnesota (10/29/2025)

FOX21 KQDS

DULUTH, Min.- There were at least three likely immigration-related actions around Northern Minnesota on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Here is what we know about them at this point.

El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill, 2520 E Beltline, Hibbing:
A FOX21 photographer happened to be getting lunch at the El Charro Mexican Bar and Grill after covering a different story in Hibbing. That is when federal agents rolled in during the noon hour. The photographer was questioned on his nationality by agents while recording the incident. Our photographer saw two people taken away from the restaurant. This raid appeared to be conducted entirely by members of federal law enforcement. FOX21 has not learned the identities of the people taken.

La Tequila Taco Shop, 1818 3rd Ave E, Hibbing:
A St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office news release says members of the Lake Superior Violent Offenders Task Force along with other local agencies plus federal agencies “executed a narcotics search warrant” at La Tequila Taco Shop. According to the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office, federal law enforcement that responded to La Tequila included U.S. Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Enforcement Removal Operations, and Homeland Security Investigations. The La Tequila investigation stemmed from a September 2025 undercover investigation. The investigation allegedly included the purchase of cocaine from an individual who lived and worked at La Tequila. One person was arrested by the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office. We know their identity, but are not releasing it until they are officially charged. The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office say, “federal law enforcement took additional actions during this search warrant. The federal investigation is independent of this case; therefore we have nothing further to add.” FOX21 has not learned the identities of other people taken by federal authorities.

Kettle River:
U.S. Customs and Board Protection (USCPB) was spotted in Kettle River. Carlton County Fire News posted pictures of a USCPB vehicle parked near the Federated Co-Ops building in Kettle River, but it did not appear USCPB were going into that business. Witnesses told FOX21 that they did see federal law enforcement in the area and appeared to be searching for something or someone, but it was unknown if anyone was taken into custody. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not responded to FOX21 for comment regarding their actions in Kettle River.

ICE Statement:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a statement to FOX21 saying they arrested eight people in Minnesota on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The statement did not say where the eight arrests were made. The statement in full reads: “ICE arrested eight illegal aliens as part of a Lake Superior Violent Offender Taskforce and St. Louis Co., Minnesota operation, yesterday. ICE’s top priority remains the identification, arrest, and removal of criminal aliens who pose a threat to public safety and national security. Every day, ICE officers take dangerous offenders off our streets—including convicted felons, gang members, human traffickers, and repeat immigration violators. At the same time, ICE continues to carry out its lawful authority to arrest and remove any individual who violates U.S. immigration law. Those who ignore court orders, overstay their lawful status, or fail to depart after being ordered removed are not “non-criminals”—they are in violation of federal law and are subject to enforcement action.”

Kristi Noem, Federal Enforcement Minnesota

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, speaks during a press conference Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Minneapolis.

(AP Photo/Tom Baker)

Kristi Noem Visit:
Five days prior to the actions, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem visited Minneapolis. The Homeland Security Department oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Board Protection. She gave a speech during her visit where she said talked about immigration enforcement and deportations. It is not known if her visit was prelude to greater federal immigration actions, or just a coincidence.