Hmong American mayor joins lawsuit against ICE actions in Minnesota

SCREEN CAPTURE / KARE

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her told Congressmembers about the ICE surge of fear in her city.

St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her  characterized the city as being "under siege by the federal government" due to a surge in ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations, during a Jan. 12 hearing.

When Her was sworn in as St. Paul's  first Asian American mayor, she could not have predicted that two weeks later her city would be joining a lawsuit against the Donald Trump regime and his quasi-military arm, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Her, a Hmong American refugee, strongly condemned the recent surge in ICE activity, calling it a "federal law enforcement occupation" that is terrifying residents, with agents reportedly going door-to-door and targeting people by appearance, leading to a lawsuit by the city, state, and Minneapolis to halt the operations.

“We are ground zero for Trump’s war on America,” she testified.  Lawmakers and other leaders held a field hearing at the Minnesota State Capitol about the ongoing ICE operations in Minnesota on Jan. 12. Some of the speakers joining Her included Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey — all condemning the Trump regime.

"We've received reports of federal law enforcement officers going door-to-door asking people where the Asian people live right in our very own city," 

"I myself have received advice to carry my passport with me because they may try to target me based on what I look like as well," said Her, who was born in Laos.

Minneapolis and St. Paul are located across the Mississippi Rver from each other forming what is commonly referred to as the Twin Cities. The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent on January 7, has ignited widespread protests across the United States.

In coordination with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul filed a joint lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 12, to halt what they described as unlawful and chaotic federal immigration actions.

Her stated that residents are afraid to leave their homes, with some even hiding passports, and emphasized the city's responsibility to protect its people from these perceived invasions and terrorizing tactics. She described federal agents "needlessly invading our neighborhoods and homes," causing residents to be scared and afraid to go out, notes St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her.

Her reported that ICE agents are asking where "Asian people live," highlighting discriminatory practices against Hmong and other immigrant communities, according to PBS NewsHour.

Her described residents as "scared and confused," noting that her own parents have been afraid to open their blinds or leave their home for medical appointments because of the federal presence.

She argued that the presence of masked federal agents wearing uniforms labeled "Police" undermines local law enforcement and public trust.

In coordination with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Saint Paul filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on January 12, 2026, to halt what they described as unlawful and chaotic federal immigration actions.

Mayor Her emphasized that while local officials have a responsibility to act, the current "occupation" of the city is putting all residents at risk and targeting individuals based on their appearance.

Two dozen members of the US House of Representatives listened to the testimonies of Minnesotans describing ICE actions.

A 20-year-old Somali-American U.S. citizen, Mubashir Khalif Hussen, testified that he was accosted by ICE agents outside his workplace. He alleged that despite repeatedly identifying himself as a citizen and offering his ID, agents dragged him outside and held him in a headlock on the ground for several minutes.

Testimony and legal filings described the widespread use of chemical munitions, including tear gas, pepper balls, and flashbangs against peaceful protesters and observers. One family reported their vehicle was trapped when a tear gas canister was deployed underneath it, causing their infant child to become "lifeless" and require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Lawmakers and residents described agents pointing firearms at innocent bystanders and individuals who posed no threat, including a pastor.

Minnesota 4th district Congressmember Betty McCollum was part of the subcommittee and addressed Trump directly.

She noted that agents have threatened and assaulted workers in their workplaces and students outside their schools. Other reports detailed agents tackling students on school property and breaking car windows.

"President Trump, stop stoking the chaos in our neighborhoods," Rep. McCollum said. "You are creating a dangerous escalation. Now, Minnesota, we're not taking the bait. To my fellow Americans in other states, these actions left unchallenged could mean you're next."

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), who hosted the hearing along with Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), said: 

"We heard from incredibly powerful witnesses — members of the community who are standing up for their neighbors, and even who have been detained and had their rights violated for no reason. Instead of making us safer, Trump is deliberately escalating tensions in a city where crime rates have been declining. And the tactics are only accelerating. Let me be clear: this pattern of reckless, even lethal, use of force cannot continue, and we will do everything in our power to hold this Administration accountable and stop this lawlessness.”

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