MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Federal authorities have unleashed a “secret weapon” against protesters attempting to monitor their operations. In a dramatic escalation, ICE agents are now aggressively arresting and prosecuting civilians who “stalk” or trail their vehicles, citing a federal statute that turns observation into a felony.
The crackdown was on full display in Minneapolis, where Becky Ringstrom, a 42-year-old mother of seven, was boxed in and detained by masked agents after following them through a suburban neighborhood.
“STALKING” LAW ENFORCEMENT
Ringstrom was trailing federal immigration officers in her gray Kia SUV when the trap was sprung. According to bystander video, unmarked vehicles suddenly boxed her in. At least six masked agents surrounded her car, with one officer striking her windshield with a metal object before dragging her into custody.
Authorities are no longer tolerating the “cop watch” tactics used by activists. Ringstrom was cited under Title 18, Section 111, a heavy-hitting federal statute that criminalizes “forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, or intimidating a federal officer.”
“Ringstrom stalked law enforcement and attempted to obstruct law enforcement from performing their sworn duties,” said DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin.
THE “SECRET WEAPON” STATUTE
Section 111 has become the Trump administration’s hammer. A review of court records reveals that prosecutors have charged at least 655 people under the law since last summer—more than double the previous year.
While activists argue they are simply documenting police activity, federal officials say they are crossing the line. ICE reports that individuals are blocking vehicles and broadcasting live streams that reveal agent identities, compromising safety.
“If you choose to impede or endanger our officers, expect to be arrested,” McLaughlin warned.
“I THOUGHT I COULD BE RENEE GOOD”
Ringstrom, who was released after being processed into a government database, insists she did nothing wrong.
“I know what I’m doing is not wrong,” she told reporters. However, the fear is palpable. “There was a moment where I thought I could be Renee Good,” she said, referring to the U.S. citizen recently shot and killed by immigration officers in the same city.
While a federal judge previously ruled that following ICE at an “appropriate distance” was legal, an appeals court paused that ruling days later. This legal limbo has given agents broad discretion to deploy their “secret weapon” against anyone they believe is too close.
With the White House vowing to hold those who impede law enforcement “accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” the message to protesters is clear: The days of following ICE without consequence are over.
