U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents tried to enter Ecuador’s consulate in Minneapolis on Monday but left after consulate staff blocked them, according to The Washington Post.
Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it immediately submitted a letter of protest to the U.S. Embassy in Ecuador, demanding steps to ensure such an incident does not happen again at any Ecuadorian consulate in the United States.
The ministry said the agents attempted to enter the building at about 11 a.m., but staff stopped them and activated emergency response procedures to ensure the safety of Ecuadorian citizens inside. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not provide a separate response to the Post’s request for comment.
Video shared online shows ICE agents approaching the entrance as staff rushed to the door and said, “This is the Ecuadorian consulate. You cannot enter.” One agent warned that he would arrest a staff member if touched, but the agents ultimately left after staff repeatedly said they could not come in.
Under international law, law enforcement in a host country cannot enter a foreign diplomatic mission without consent from consular or ambassadorial officials. An exception applies when there is an immediate threat to life, such as a fire, in which case consent is presumed.
The incident occurred during an ongoing federal immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. The Post reported the operation has drawn criticism and legal challenges over its tactics, and that controversy has intensified after federal agents this month fatally shot two U.S. citizens, Rene Good and Alex Pretti.
Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne said he spoke with Ecuador’s ambassador, who said he believes the ICE agents tried to enter the consulate by mistake.
Payne also said ICE agents entered a cafe near the consulate and threatened protesters, saying, “We will come back and arrest all of you.” The cafe is known as a frequent gathering spot for protesters in northeast Minneapolis.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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