Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs | https://www.dhs.gov/
Following remarks by Governor Tim Walz comparing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to the Gestapo, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has responded. The DHS highlighted the risks ICE officers face daily in arresting criminal illegal aliens.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "Governor Walz’s comments comparing ICE agents to the Gestapo is sickening. This type of rhetoric and demonization of ICE officers has led to our officers facing a 413% increase in assaults." She added that despite such political rhetoric, ICE officers continue their work to apprehend dangerous individuals.
The DHS provided examples of recent arrests made by ICE in Minnesota:
- On May 1, 2025, Abdirashid Elmi from Somalia was arrested for crimes including murder.
- Erick Martinez Mondragon from Mexico was detained on April 24th; he is associated with the 18th Street gang.
- Marco Quizhpi Granda from Ecuador was arrested on April 25 for criminal sexual conduct with a child.
- Octavio Juarez-Bonilla from Mexico was taken into custody on January 26 for possessing child pornography.
- Thailand Oh from Laos, convicted of domestic assault and weapons charges, was arrested on February 19.
- Jorge Padilla Mendez from Ecuador faced arrest on May 9 for robbery charges.
- Abymahel Torres-Arriaga from Mexico was apprehended on May 9 for drug-related offenses.
- Edgar David Felipe-Mendez from Guatemala was detained on May 8 for conspiracy to sell drugs.
- Blong Yang was arrested on April 30 with past convictions including carrying a concealed weapon.
These arrests underscore the ongoing efforts by ICE to address crime linked to illegal immigration.
