The family of a man detained during a federal immigration raid in St. Paul is speaking out, describing the emotional turmoil and uncertainty that followed the sudden enforcement action. His daughter, Hernandez, said her father has been devoted to improving his life, taking GED classes and actively participating in the West Side Community Organization. She emphasized that his detention has shaken their family, who are now urgently working with attorneys to understand the next steps in a legal system they describe as cold, confusing, and overwhelming.
“He’s been committed to his education and to being involved in the community,” Hernandez said. “Now we’re just trying to figure out how to help him, but the system is so difficult to navigate.”
The family is one of many affected by a federal search warrant executed Tuesday morning at Bro Tex, a business on St. Paul’s West Side. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), along with other federal agencies, arrived at the site as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. Authorities emphasized that the operation posed no threat to the general public, but the raid immediately drew attention from local residents, activists, and elected officials.
Protesters arrived at the business after receiving advance notice of the planned operation. As immigration agents entered the property, a crowd gathered outside and tensions escalated quickly. According to witnesses, demonstrators and federal officers clashed, resulting in the use of chemical irritants to disperse the group.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, who went to the scene shortly after the raid began, reported firsthand accounts of protesters being struck by tear gas. “I saw a number of people flushing out their eyes because a number of them had been tear-gassed by the federal folks,” Carter said. His presence on the ground underscored the level of concern among local officials about both the raid itself and its ripple effects throughout the community.
In a statement released Tuesday, Carter expressed deep concern about the impact of the incident on immigrant families, workers, and residents across St. Paul. “Though we don’t have many details right now, I share the concern and fear this raises for our workers, families, and entire community,” he said. “Remember you have rights.”
For many in the area, the raid was a stark reminder of the tension between federal immigration enforcement and local efforts to support immigrant communities. St. Paul has long offered resources to help residents understand their rights, including legal aid information and guidance for families worried about potential immigration actions. The city continues to direct residents to its immigration resource webpage, where community members can find support ranging from legal referrals to rights-education materials.
Meanwhile, Hernandez and her family are relying heavily on community support as they navigate the legal aftermath. Advocacy organizations, neighbors, and local leaders have reached out with resources and assistance, but the emotional toll remains significant. “It’s heartbreaking,” Hernandez said. “We’re grateful for everyone who has helped us, but we’re also scared. We just want him home.”
The family is preparing for what may be a long process, working closely with lawyers who are helping them understand federal procedures and potential outcomes. For now, they are hoping for transparency, due process, and the chance to reunite with their loved one.
The Bro Tex investigation remains ongoing, and federal agencies have not released additional details about the nature of the case. As the situation unfolds, community members continue to call for compassion, accountability, and clarity for the families whose lives have been disrupted.
