Immigration and Customs Enforcement has reportedly conducted enforcement activity in several Anoka County communities in recent days, prompting concern and widespread discussion on social media as of Jan. 9.

Unverified reports circulating online have cited ICE presence at retail locations including Walmart in Andover, multiple locations in Columbia Heights, Menards and Home Depot in Fridley, and a trailer park in Fridley where agents were allegedly knocking on doors. Other reports described officers shopping at a Target in Fridley, activity near the Walmart off Ball Road in Circle Pines, and activity on a residential street in Blaine.

State Rep. Erin Koegel, DFL–Spring Lake Park, said she witnessed an arrest by three ICE agents, an encounter she recorded on video and later posted to Facebook.

The video shows Koegel approaching a gray vehicle stopped behind a white van as agents wearing tactical vests detain a man in a black hoodie. Koegel repeatedly asks the agents to produce a warrant and identifies herself as a state representative for the area.

One agent, who identified himself only as “Ryan,” responded “negative” when Koegel asked him to show a warrant. His vest identifies him as a member of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The agents then placed the man into a dark Chrysler van and left the scene. Koegel said she does not know what happened to the individual.

Koegel said she had received reports that ICE agents were operating near a Home Depot in Fridley and that a woman observing the activity told her she was afraid. Koegel said the individual detained appeared to be Latino and was followed by agents before being stopped on University Avenue.

“The whole thing was racial profiling right out of the gate, and a violation of Fourth Amendment rights,” Koegel said.

Koegel said the agents took the individual’s vehicle when they left.

The activity follows a Jan. 8 announcement from the Department of Homeland Security that it had launched what it described as its largest immigration enforcement operation to date, with approximately 2,000 federal agents and officers expected to operate in the greater Twin Cities area, the Associated Press reported.

On Jan. 9, two Anoka County law enforcement agencies issued statements addressing their roles and policies following reports of federal immigration enforcement activity.

The Anoka Police Department issued a statement from Chief Andy Youngquist clarifying that the department enforces state and local laws but does not enforce federal immigration law.

“As we have always done, the Anoka Police Department maintains open lines of communication with local, state and federal law enforcement partners to understand whether they may be conducting investigations or operations within the city of Anoka,” the statement said. “Based on that information, the chief of police and command staff determine what level of involvement, if any, is appropriate for the Anoka Police Department.”

The department stated it would only participate in immigration-related activity if there is an immediate and articulable public safety concern. It added that it is not currently aware of immigration operations within the city of Anoka and noted that local police do not have authority over federal agencies or the ability to interfere with their operations. The department also warned that it is unlawful for members of the public to obstruct or interfere with federal agents.

On Monday, Jan. 12, the Fridley Public Safety Department said it was aware of enforcement activity occurring in the city but had not been notified by federal authorities in advance.

According to the department’s posted policy, Fridley officers do not question individuals about their immigration status unless it directly relates to an active investigation. The department stated it provides fair and impartial service to all residents and participates in the U-Visa program, which offers legal status to victims and witnesses of serious crimes who cooperate with law enforcement.

The department added that it will assist local, state and federal agencies when executing search or arrest warrants or other lawful procedures. Fridley is not designated as a sanctuary city in policy or practice.

ABC Newspapers has reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment and had not received a response as of publication.