At approximately 8:30 am Sunday, Feb. 1, three federal agents were parked in a vehicle at Powderhorn Park. A group of bystanders observed and engaged with the federal agents. As the situation escalated, an individual repeatedly pointed a laser at the eyes of federal agents. The federal agents pursued the individual and attempted to take the individual into custody. Bystanders surrounded the arresting federal agents as they were taking the individual into custody. The federal agents then deployed canisters. More federal agents arrived to assist with the scene. Prior to being taken into custody, the individual discarded an item containing the laser while fleeing the area. Federal agents were unable to confirm the exact nature of the item but believe it was a laser pointer and not a firearm with a laser attachment. Park Police searched the area out of an abundance of caution and all federal agents left at 9 am.
In response to the incident, Superintendent Al Bangoura is requesting that Counsel Rice draft a letter to ICE. The letter will reference Resolution 2026-3, adopted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, and Executive Order 2025-02 issued by the mayor of the City of Minneapolis, both of which affirm that certain park property and parking facilities are not to be used for staging civil immigration enforcement operations. The letter will emphasize that city parks are intended to remain peaceful, safe public spaces for children, families and the broader community. It will also remind federal partners that these resources must be used for their intended public purposes and in accordance with the board’s adopted policies and the executive order.