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Minneapolis Woman With Disabilities Testifies on ICE Treatment Captured on Viral Video

Her sworn account before lawmakers intensifies scrutiny of ICE tactics in Minneapolis.

Overview

  • Aliya Rahman told lawmakers that ICE agents forced open her car, cut her seat belt with a knife, dragged her face-down, and carried her away while she repeatedly identified herself as disabled.
  • She described agents mocking her request for a wheelchair and prodding her in leg irons, quoting one as saying, "You were driving, right? So your legs do work."
  • Rahman said she was denied medical care in detention and later awoke at Hennepin County Medical Center being treated for assault.
  • She stated she was never told she was under arrest, never read her rights, and was not asked for identification; DHS has called her "an agitator who impeded agents," and she has not been charged.
  • Video of the Jan. 13 encounter went viral, and her testimony drew reactions from lawmakers, including Sen. Amy Klobuchar, as oversight questions mount over Operation Metro Surge.