Sheriff intervenes for local woman being picked up by ICE

[Figarosmom]

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/30/st-peter-police-chief-intervenes-prevents-federal-agents-from-arresting-resident


MPR News has learned that the police chief in the small southern Minnesota city of St. Peter intervened Thursday to prevent federal immigration agents from taking a local resident into detention, although the city of St. Peter denied the intervention in a statement Saturday.

It’s believed to be the first time a local police department in Minnesota intervened in a federal law enforcement action since the surge in immigration enforcement began two months ago.

The resident, a woman, had been observing and recording video of immigration enforcement actions from her car Thursday afternoon when agents took her into custody.

[yellow dahlia]

1. We have become a surveillance state and an authoritarian police state in less than a year.

This is a well executed plan. And something out of all of our dystopian nightmares.

[Cha]

2. That was Chilling and Amazing to read

the whole thing!

Thank you so much,
Figarosmom

Wonder what the Police Chief of St Peter, MN said to ICE Sadists to make them bring her back to the Police Station.?. and then she got to go Home to her husband.

Can imagine how they felt through the Whole terror induced kidnapping!

[Figarosmom]

3. Why don't more end like this when local cops are called

There have been others that called 911 and were told they can't help them. But this is the way it should work, especially for citizens.

[Cha]

4. St. Peter Chief of Police Matt Grochow is Brave..

and seems, so far, to be the local Police Rarity in saving Citizens from ICE's inhumane Cruelty.

It would Give Hope if other Local Police would follow his example.

He's a Hero.. and now he has to "deny doing it".

[MichMan]

5. According to the link...

On Friday, the St. Peter police chief did not respond to additional questions about his involvement in the incident, but on Saturday, the city of St. Peter put out a statement denying that the chief intervened on the resident’s behalf.

“The Saint Peter police department did not participate in, coordinate with or intervene in any federal enforcement activity,” the statement said.

”Federal immigration authorities dropped the individual off at the police department. Police Chief Grochow then ensured the resident was safely transported home and offered assistance, as we would for any member of our community,” it added.

[Figarosmom]

6. I'm guessing ICE made them deny it.