AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 6, 2026
Background: The Rose Avenue Incident
Almost one year after a confrontation between protestors and law enforcement on Rose Avenue in St. Paul, immigration activist groups in the Twin Cities are pressing for the findings of a city investigation to be made public. The incident, which took place on November 25, 2025, occurred during a federal law enforcement operation that attracted protests in the city.
Details of the Clash
Video footage from the day shows law enforcement using chemical irritants, sponge bullets, and pepper balls against a crowd of protestors. Among those affected were journalists covering the protest. MPR News visual journalist Kerem Yücel and two other photojournalists were struck by less-lethal munitions while documenting the events. Yücel was hospitalized after being injured and transported by ambulance.
The journalists believe they were targeted by police while performing their duties, raising significant concerns regarding First Amendment protections.
Ongoing Calls for Transparency
At a press conference on Monday, activists from Indigenous Roots Cultural Center, Minnesota 8, Detention Watch Network, and other organizations expressed frustration over the lack of released information nearly a year since the incident. They continue to await answers from city officials and an official report on the incident.
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her stated last week that the investigation is expected to conclude soon. In a recent statement, Her acknowledged the community's frustration and affirmed her commitment to reviewing the investigation's results once available. She highlighted the role of the Police Civilian Internal Affairs Review Commission (PCIARC), which reviews the investigation before making recommendations to the police chief.
Community Concerns and Allegations
Activists and community members have decried the actions witnessed during the federal operation. Chenda Hing, digital organizer with Minnesota 8, described what occurred as "extremely disrespectful" and "extremely harmful." Hing recounted seeing individuals pepper sprayed at close range and alleged that federal agents obscured their identities. She criticized the visible coordination between St. Paul Police and federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, suggesting it violated the city's "separation ordinance," which is designed to prioritize local public safety and limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Hing and others have also called for greater transparency from elected officials, especially with the federal government's plan to open a 1,600-bed detention center in Appleton, Minnesota.
Impact on Families and Community Vigil
During the operation, 26-year-old Jeffrey Suazo was detained by federal agents. According to Mary Anne Quiroz, founder of Indigenous Roots Cultural Center, three members of Suazo's family remain in the neighborhood but wished to avoid commenting due to trauma and fear.
On Monday, activists held a rally and vigil at East Side Sculpture Park to honor lives lost during immigration enforcement actions. An ofrenda and altar were also set up indoors at Roots Cafe.
Calls for Accountability
At the vigil, Samuel Torres, co-chair of the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center board, emphasized the importance of government accountability, stating the violence would continue unless officials address the incident thoroughly and transparently.
Source: mprnews.org.
