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.
Mastin said further information regarding the incident "can be obtained from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
The 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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