Ecuador’s government has formally protested an incident involving an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent who allegedly attempted unauthorized entry into the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday. The move comes as ICE enforcement activity in the region faces increased public scrutiny and ongoing demonstrations according to a statement from Ecuador’s Foreign ministry. The incident raises diplomatic questions regarding the autonomy of foreign consulates and the conduct of federal agents within U.S. borders.
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Ecuador’s government has lodged a protest with the United States following an incident Tuesday in which an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent allegedly attempted to enter the country’s consulate in Minneapolis. The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of ICE operations in the city and concerns over the use of force during immigration enforcement.
According to a statement released by Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry, the attempted entry occurred around 11:00 a.m. local time. The country’s consul in Minneapolis reported the incident, which took place as ICE increased operations targeting undocumented immigrants in the area.
Consular officials successfully prevented the ICE agent from entering the building, ensuring the safety of Ecuadorians present and activating emergency protocols established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility.
Ecuador has since sent a formal note of protest to the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador, requesting assurances that similar incidents are avoided at all of its consular offices across the United States.
CNN has reached out to both the State Department and ICE for comment and is awaiting a response.
The incident coincides with ongoing protests in Minneapolis from residents and advocacy groups concerned about ICE’s tactics and potential excessive force during enforcement actions. ICE maintains its agents operate within the bounds of the law and will respond if confronted by what they deem dangerous protesters.
