Police Investigate ICE Arrest of a Man Who Suffered Severe Head Injuries

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by Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs

February 19, 2026

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Police in St. Paul, Minn., are investigating an immigration arrest involving Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, who suffered severe head injuries after being detained by ICE agents. The incident occurred on January 8 when Mr. Castañeda Mondragón was pulled from a friend’s car at a shopping center. He claims he was beaten by the agents, but ICE maintains that his injuries resulted from him running into a wall. Federal Judge Donovan W. Frank ordered his release last month after finding ICE largely uncooperative in providing details about how the injuries occurred. The case has drawn attention due to growing tensions between local and federal law enforcement over ICE’s actions during the Trump administration’s immigration surge in the Twin Cities region. Federal prosecutors are also investigating false statements by agents regarding a nonfatal shooting in Minneapolis, while the Justice Department’s civil rights division is probing the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by ICE agents. Authorities have refused to provide evidence to state investigators in these cases. In Mr. Castañeda Mondragón’s case, hospital staff reportedly doubted ICE’s explanation of his injuries, leading to FBI and St. Paul police involvement. Ramsey County Prosecutor John J. Choi has stated plans to investigate “allegations of criminal conduct by federal agents” under Minnesota law. The incident highlights broader concerns about accountability and transparency in ICE operations. This case matters because it raises critical questions about the treatment of detainees and the credibility of ICE’s claims. It also underscores the ongoing tensions between local law enforcement and federal agencies, particularly over immigration enforcement practices. As investigations continue, the outcome could set a precedent for how such incidents are handled and whether accountability measures are enforced. The situation reflects deeper issues of civil rights and public trust in law enforcement. For readers interested in news about immigration policy, police conduct, and government transparency, this case offers insight into the challenges faced by both local and federal authorities

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/19/2026