At least 54 people were arrested Sunday during protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, according to law enforcement officials.

The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said 38 individuals were cited and released, and one person was booked into jail. The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed an additional 15 arrests connected to the demonstration.

Authorities said deputies issued dispersal orders after what they described as unlawful activity at the scene. In a statement posted to Facebook, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office detailed the conditions that led to enforcement action.

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“This morning, our deputies issued dispersal orders at an unlawful assembly outside the Whipple Building after individuals blocked roadways, blocked access to local businesses, dumped glass into the street, and threw rocks, ice chunks and water bottles at law enforcement creating a serious public safety hazard,” the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office wrote. “Arrests are being made.”

Officials said the actions created risks to public safety and interfered with traffic and business access in the area surrounding the federal building.

Law enforcement leaders reiterated that while peaceful demonstrations are protected under the Constitution, certain conduct crosses legal boundaries.

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“Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly is a right,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Endangering the public is not. Unlawful activity including blocking roads, intentionally creating hazards and assaultive behavior will not be tolerated.”

The protest marked the culmination of a weeklong campaign called “Bring the Heat, Melt the ICE.”

Organizers behind the effort have opposed ICE operations and have called for the abolition of ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to information posted on the group’s website.

Events throughout the week were centered on resisting immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota.

Sunday’s gathering outside the Whipple Federal Building drew a significant law enforcement presence after reports of blocked streets and objects thrown at deputies.

The demonstration took place amid a broader wave of anti-ICE protests across Minnesota and other parts of the country.

The protests follow multiple fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis earlier this year, including the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti.

Authorities have not released additional details about the charges individuals may face following Sunday’s arrests.

The sheriff’s office did not indicate whether further arrests were anticipated.

The unrest also comes during an ongoing political dispute in Washington over immigration policy and federal funding.

Congressional Democrats have blocked funding for DHS for more than two weeks as part of efforts to push for reforms related to ICE operations.

ICE has faced sustained criticism from activist groups in recent years, particularly in urban centers where enforcement actions have drawn protests.

Law enforcement officials said deputies will continue monitoring demonstrations and responding to any violations of the law.

As of Sunday evening, authorities said the area around the federal building had been cleared and normal activity had resumed.

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