UPDATE: This story was updated at 4 p.m. to include more information and photos from the Bemidji Pioneer's reporting, as well as news release from the property management company.
BEMIDJI — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement took an unknown number of people into custody Thursday, July 16, in Bemidji.
Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin confirmed the operation in a news release, stating ICE informed the department of its intention to work "targeted enforcement efforts" in the Bemidji area looking for specific individuals.
Mastin reported that at 11:30 a.m., Bemidji police officers responded to the south side of Lake Bemidji to a report of numerous people running from the area and one person going into the water.
The person reportedly swam 100 yards offshore. According to the release, ICE agents safely removed this person from the water, and individuals of interest were taken into ICE custody.
Reporters for the Bemidji Pioneer were at the scene, and report at least one construction worker was detained near a worksite for the SouthShore Hotel.
In a news release, the owners of Lakeside Management, Inc. — which operates the SouthShore Hotel, the Double Tree and the attached Green Mill Restaurant — stated the establishment sustained extensive damage from last summer's derecho and was undergoing roof repair.
They said they were unaware of any workers not having legal documentation to work in the U.S., and a worker employed by a subcontractor was on a lunch break when he was detained.
Mastin said further information regarding the incident "can be obtained from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement." KAXE is seeking comment from the agency.
The Thursday operation follows what were described as "targeted enforcement operations" at various construction worksites in early June.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is gathered. If you know something about this incident, please reach out to news@kaxe.org.
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