A man who escaped civil war in Liberia as a child has revealed he is now terrified to step outside his Minneapolis home, following his release from an immigration detention centre. Garrison Gibson, 38, was arrested during the latest wave of immigration enforcement operations ordered by the Trump administration.
A Raid and a Re-Arrest
Gibson's ordeal began on Sunday 11 January 2026, when federal officers used a battering ram to break down his front door. Video of the aggressive raid quickly became a focal point for protesters opposing the crackdown in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Federal officials state the operation has led to more than 2,500 arrests.
Despite a 2008 drug conviction that was later dismissed, Gibson had been living in the US legally under an order of supervision. A judge ruled that officials failed to give him adequate notice that his supervision status was revoked, leading to his initial release. However, in a controversial move, Gibson was taken back into custody for several hours on Friday 16 January during a routine check-in with immigration officials.
His cousin, Abena Abraham, claimed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials told her the re-arrest was ordered directly by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. The White House has firmly denied this account.
Living in Fear and Mounting Protests
Speaking at a news conference on Saturday 17 January, Gibson described the profound impact of the raid. His family had to use a dumbbell to keep their damaged front door closed in subfreezing temperatures before paying $700 for repairs. "I don't leave the house," Gibson stated, emphasising his fear. He defended his record, saying, "If I was a violent person, I would not have been out these past 17 years, checking in."
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has labelled the Minnesota operation its largest yet, involving over 2,000 federal officers. It has ignited daily protests in the liberal-leaning Twin Cities, where tactics have included pulling people from homes and cars. The situation turned tragic on 7 January, when a confrontation led to officers fatally shooting Renee Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three.
Legal Challenges and Official Response
The DHS criticised the judicial intervention, with Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating, "We will continue to fight for the arrest, detention, and removal of aliens who have no right to be in this country." The department blamed an "activist judge" for impeding deportations of "criminal illegal aliens."
In a significant ruling on Friday, a federal judge ordered that immigration officers cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities, including those merely observing the enforcement actions.
As the crackdown continues, protests and counter-protests were expected across Minneapolis on Saturday, highlighting the deep national divisions over immigration policy and enforcement methods.
