Law Enforcement Clarifies Confiscation of Items From Protesters Outside Whipple Federal Building
Published: January 19th, 2026
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Law enforcement officials have provided clarification following the circulation of social media videos showing officers from the Minneapolis Police Department and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department confiscating cases of bottled water from anti-ICE demonstrators during protests outside the Whipple Federal Building over the weekend in Minneapolis.
The videos posted by Walter Masterson and Jolly Good Ginger have gained traction online and show members of the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Department removing items from protest areas, including unopened packs of plastic water bottles. The footage prompted questions from demonstrators and members of the public about why law enforcement took supplies that appeared intended for hydration.
Screenshot from jolly_good_ginger/Instagram.
In response to an inquiry from Limitless Media News, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Department said the action was taken after deputies observed frozen water bottles being thrown at officers and other law enforcement personnel during the demonstration.
“During the demonstration, frozen water bottles were being launched at deputies and other law enforcement,” a department spokesperson said. “For the safety of everyone, deputies assessed that it was necessary to remove some objects that were being used and could become weapons.”
Officials emphasized that the decision was based on immediate safety concerns rather than on the demonstrators' message or viewpoint. Frozen bottles can cause significant injury when thrown, particularly in crowded protest environments, and law enforcement said removing those items was intended to reduce the risk of harm to protesters, officers, and bystanders alike.
The protest was one of several recent demonstrations across the Twin Cities metro over the weekend opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with organizers voicing concerns about its immigration enforcement practices. These protests have been ongoing almost daily following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The Whipple Federal Building has been the headquarters for ICE operations across the Twin Cities metro and the surrounding metro. While most of the gathering was described as peaceful, authorities noted that isolated actions involving thrown objects prompted targeted intervention.
The Hennepin County Sheriff did not mention any injuries related to the thrown items in connection with the confiscation, and no arrests specifically tied to the frozen water bottles were announced as of this publication. Law enforcement agencies said they continue to support the right to peaceful assembly while maintaining public safety during large demonstrations.
Written by Will Wight.
Cover Photo captured from jolly_good_ginger/Instagram
