A Liberian man living in Minneapolis was arrested in a dramatic weekend raid by heavily armed immigration agents, despite having regularly checked in with federal authorities for years, his lawyer has stated.
A Forceful Arrest and Legal Challenge
The arrest of 37-year-old Garrison Gibson occurred on Sunday, 11 January 2026. Agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) used a battering ram to break through the front door of his home. His attorney, Marc Prokosch, labelled the detention a "blatant constitutional violation", arguing that officers only possessed an administrative warrant. Such a warrant authorises an arrest but does not permit the forcible entry into a private residence, which requires a criminal warrant signed by a judge.
Gibson, who fled the Liberian civil war as a child, had been under a long-standing order of supervision from immigration authorities. This legal status required him to meet with officials regularly, which he had done. Only days before the raid, he had checked in at regional immigration offices—the same building used recently to stage enforcement operations.
"He would have had another check-in in a couple of months," Prokosch said. "So if he’s this dangerous person, then, why are they letting him walk around?"
Contrasting Portraits of a Criminal Record
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin asserted that Gibson has "a lengthy rap sheet" including robbery, drug possession with intent to sell, and weapon possession. She did not clarify if these were arrests, charges, or convictions.
However, court records reviewed by The Associated Press present a different picture. They show a history dominated by minor offences, including traffic violations and an arrest for fare evasion. The only felony was a 2008 conviction for third-degree narcotics sales, which was later dismissed by the courts. This conviction was the apparent basis for his earlier removal order.
Turmoil in the Twin Cities
The arrest took place in a city already tense following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an immigration agent on 7 January. That incident sparked angry protests and clashes. During Gibson's arrest, activists attempted to disrupt the operation with drums, whistles, and car horns. Video footage shows agents pushing and pepper-spraying demonstrators.
Following his arrest, Gibson was initially flown to Texas by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He was swiftly returned to Minnesota on a judge's order after his lawyer filed a habeas corpus petition. He is currently held at an immigration detention centre in Albert Lea, Minnesota.
The DHS has reported over 2,000 immigration arrests in Minnesota since a major enforcement operation began in early December 2025. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the administration would send additional federal agents to the state to protect officers and continue enforcement.
The Department of Homeland Security did not respond to follow-up questions from The Associated Press regarding the specifics of Gibson's case or the justification for the use of force during the raid.
