ICE Agents Accused of Deceptive Tactics in Minnesota Arrest
A Minnesota family has made shocking allegations that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers used a deceptive car trouble ruse to lure a father from his home before arresting him. The incident, which occurred in a Minneapolis suburb, has ignited a fierce debate about the methods employed by federal immigration authorities.
The Alleged Deception and Arrest
According to the family of Jesus Flores, a mechanic living near Minneapolis, two women approached their home on February 12, 2026, around 1:00 pm, claiming to have vehicle problems. The family believes these women were actually ICE officers in disguise. Flores, described as a helpful individual, went outside to assist them with the supposed car trouble.
His son, Miguel Flores, detailed the event on a GoFundMe page, stating, "Two women approached our door who were later confirmed to be ICE agents disguised as regular women asking my dad to help them with car problems & he was then detained." He added that the situation left the family "shocked, scared, heartbroken & searching for answers."
Security Footage Captures the Moment
The arrest was captured on a neighbor's home security camera and shared on Facebook. The footage shows two women pulling up in front of Flores's home, appearing to have issues with their vehicle after parking and opening the hood. One woman walked up the driveway and returned with Flores, who began inspecting the car.
As Flores examined the vehicle, three SUVs suddenly emerged, blocking both sides of the street. Flores attempted to run away but was quickly surrounded by agents. He was placed into one of the SUVs, and all vehicles drove away. Notably, the car that initially seemed to have broken down was seen driving off without any apparent trouble.
Family's Anguish and Background
Flores's wife, Dionicia Flores, told local media that her husband is "a lifeline" for their six children, two of whom require special care. The family confirmed that Flores is undocumented and was deported over 15 years ago. His son emphasized, "My dad's a hard-working individual. He came here to give us a better life. He has done that." The children are U.S. citizens.
ICE's Response and Justification
The Department of Homeland Security provided a starkly different narrative. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated in a release to The Independent that Jesus Emmanuel Flores-Aguilar is "a criminal illegal alien from Mexico and former Vatos Locos 13 gang member who was removed TWICE from this country, a felony."
McLaughlin detailed his criminal history, including an arrest for felony assault, and noted he was removed in 2010 after his arrest. She claimed Flores-Aguilar illegally re-entered the U.S. in 2011, was removed again, and then re-entered a third time at an unknown date. "This criminal and gang member will remain in ICE custody pending removal," she asserted, adding, "Flores-Aguilar's gang name was 'Lucky.' That ends today. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S."
Broader Context of ICE Operations
This incident occurs amidst significant shifts in ICE enforcement. President Donald Trump's border czar, Tom Homan, recently announced the withdrawal of hundreds of officers from Minnesota, ending an enforcement surge following the deaths of two American citizens. However, Homan clarified that a force would remain in Minneapolis to conduct future operations, including a "security force" to prevent protesters from interfering with ICE and Border Patrol activities.
The case highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement tactics and community trust, with families like the Floreses facing emotional turmoil while authorities defend their actions as necessary for public safety.
