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.
-
And: Bemidji data center moratorium clears first step; and Flock cameras coming down in St. Louis County. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEKerri Hart was in the vehicle with Jack Drumbeater at the time of the crash. Hart faces a criminal vehicular homicide charge; Drumbeater was charged with murder. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe Itasca County Sheriff's Office said the death appears to be a result of natural causes. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating. -
Lorie Shaull/KAXEThe early season has been marked with low water levels, cool spells and storm damage. -
Plus: Wild rice season shows promise despite shaky start
-
Contributed/Francesco Ungaro via PexelsKory Wagner and Heather Pero are accused of intentionally setting the fire that destroyed The Pub, a bar and grill in Remer, in late April 2025. -
Emma Krab/KAXEA ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of Niishooshimeyag Wigwam Bena Shelter on Aug 26, 2026. -
Plus: A paved trail wrapping Gull Lake is one small section away from completion; and Leech Lake celebrates a new family-oriented homeless shelter in Bena.
-
Contributed/Carlton CountyCarlton County's Board of Commissioners considered a data center moratorium for months before approving it unanimously on Aug. 24, 2026. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEOfficials hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for a Bemidji YMCA on Aug. 18, 2026, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027.
