Federal agents executed search warrants Tuesday at two restaurants in the Twin Cities as part of a major investigation into drug smuggling, labor trafficking, and money laundering.
The coordinated raids, which took place at Taqueria y Birrieria Las Cuatro Milpas locations in Minneapolis and Bloomington, drew immediate backlash from far-left protesters who attempted to block officers and disrupt the operation.
The law enforcement action was carried out by agents from multiple federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under the umbrella of the Homeland Security Task Force.
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Officers arrived at the restaurants late Tuesday morning, with FBI evidence response teams spotted on-site in Bloomington. The activity was part of a court-authorized search warrant operation.
Protesters quickly gathered at the scene and clashed with law enforcement.
At least one protester was reported to have physically assaulted an officer.
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Video and photos circulated on social media showing demonstrators shouting at agents and attempting to interfere with their movements.
🚨BREAKING | Crowd Gathers As Federal Law Enforcement Operation Ensues
Mayor Frey said the operation was related to a criminal search warrant for drugs and money laundering, not ICE. Stay updated and #ProtecTheWorld with Citizen.📍Minneapolis, Minnesota pic.twitter.com/lQDNR7SaRg
— Citizen (@CitizenApp) June 3, 2025
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey released a statement following the incident, confirming the nature of the operation and attempting to distance the activity from immigration enforcement concerns frequently raised by left-wing groups in the area.
“I am aware of the operation federal agencies carried out earlier today near Lake and Bloomington,” Frey said.
“While we are still gathering details, this incident was related to a criminal search warrant for drugs and money laundering and was not related to immigration enforcement. No arrests were made.”
I’m aware of the operation federal agencies carried out today near Lake and Bloomington. While we’re still gathering details, this incident was related to a criminal search warrant for drugs & money laundering and was not related to immigration enforcement. No arrests were made.
— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) June 3, 2025
Frey added that the Minneapolis Police Department was only involved for purposes of crowd control and public safety.
“The Minneapolis Police Department’s only role was helping with crowd control and keeping the community safe as a large number of residents and bystanders had gathered at the scene,” he stated.
“They have not been involved in anything related to immigration enforcement.”
The Minneapolis Police Department’s only role was assisting with crowd control and keeping the community safe as a large number of residents and bystanders had gathered at the scene. They have not been involved in anything related to immigration enforcement.
— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) June 3, 2025
Frey urged the public to avoid speculation and misinformation, saying, “In situations like this, having accurate and credible information is more important than ever. We understand the community’s concerns and are committed to providing timely updates as information becomes available.”
In situations like this, having accurate and credible information is more important than ever. We understand the community’s concerns and are committed to providing timely updates as information becomes available.
— Mayor Jacob Frey (@MayorFrey) June 3, 2025
The FBI issued a brief statement earlier in the day, confirming the agency was conducting “court-authorized law enforcement activity” and declined to provide further comment at the time.
Later Tuesday afternoon, ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) offered more clarity about the scope of the case.
Jamie Holt, Special Agent in Charge of HSI St. Paul, characterized the operation as a significant step forward in multi-agency coordination and enforcement.
“This was a groundbreaking criminal operation,” Holt said.
“It was the first in Minnesota under the Homeland Security Task Force umbrella — marking a new chapter in how we confront complex, multidimensional threats.”
Holt emphasized the scope of the investigation and its targets.
“From drug smuggling to criminal labor trafficking, this operation showcases the breadth of our collective missions and the strength of a united front,” he said.
While no arrests were confirmed as of Tuesday evening, officials indicated that the investigation remains ongoing.
The raids are part of a broader effort by federal authorities to crack down on organized criminal activity operating within legitimate-seeming business fronts.
Law enforcement has not yet released details regarding the individuals or networks at the center of the investigation.
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