Residents of Columbia Heights raised concerns about possible police involvement in a suspected immigration enforcement action on the morning of Nov. 24.
Resident Brenna Zeimet told the City Council that she and several neighbors were standing in support of immigrant community members when, according to her account, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrived.
Zeimet described what she believed was improper conduct by both enforcement personnel and officers with the Columbia Heights Police Department.
“Our police officers were not protecting our citizens,” Zeimet said. “The ICE agent almost ran over one of our citizens. They were abusive, they were angry and our police officer tried to keep our citizens under control, did not deal with the ICE agents.”
She also alleged that a work truck associated with the enforcement was towed “within minutes,” which she believed showed cooperation by the city.
“Our families are scared,” Zeimet said. “We want to trust our police. We want to know that our police are not working with and coordinating with ICE and doing the dirty work.”
Zeimet added that an officer had questioned her and attempted to stop her from speaking with others at the scene.
Another Columbia Heights resident, Nikki Wakal, said she was disappointed in how the situation was handled. She alleged that someone on site had worn a police vest despite not being a member of the department and said she had witnessed a similar near-vehicle incident.
“I was insulted, I was swore at, and a policeman sat there and did nothing,” Wakal said. “And that is unacceptable.”
Multiple social media accounts posted videos that morning showing what users described as immigration enforcement activity near 49th Avenue and Jefferson Street. One video shows a man in a vest exiting a gray vehicle, followed by a woman walking past both a Columbia Heights Police vehicle and the gray car while yelling “La Migra.” A red truck was parked in front of the police car.
Mayor Amada Marquez Simula, referring to what she called recent “La Migra activity,” said families in the community are afraid to leave their homes. She said that, based on information shared with the city, up to 200 students had been absent from school since the start of the academic year due to immigration-related concerns.
“These are our children and our neighbors, and they deserve safety, stability and care,” Simula said tearfully. “I want to thank our community for the bravery and solidarity that you’ve shown checking on families, sharing information, and standing with our immigrant neighbors during this difficult time.”
Simula said anyone needing support could contact her or council members for referrals to trusted services.
Police Chief Matt Markham confirmed that immigration enforcement personnel had been present in the city, but said the police department had not been notified in advance. He said officers responded after dispatch received a call.
“The call was about a vehicle being struck,” Markham said.
He said he was aware that individuals had fled but was not aware of any detentions.
“We don’t assist with immigration arrests,” Markham said. “We responded to their request on something that took place in the city from that activity.”
Markham said a vehicle was towed from the scene but said it was not connected to the enforcement operation. He said the action is under internal review.
He confirmed speaking with Simula and James regarding the incident.
ABC Newspapers has reached out to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment and has not yet received a response.