Ecuador says ICE agent tried to enter consulate in Minneapolis
The Chronify
Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry says an ICE agent attempted to enter its consulate in Minneapolis but was blocked by consulate staff. A diplomatic protest has been filed with the U.S. Embassy in Quito demanding such incidents not be repeated.
Ecuador’s government says a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent attempted to enter the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry’s consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday, but was stopped by consulate staff, the ministry said.
According to a statement from the ministry, the attempted entry occurred during a large immigration enforcement operation in the city and was reported as an “attempted incursion into the Ecuadorian Consulate by ICE agents.” Ecuador’s mission officials prevented the agent from entering the building, ensuring the protection of Ecuadorian nationals present at the time.
In response to the incident, the Foreign Ministry sent a “note of protest” to the U.S. Embassy in Quito, the Ecuadorean capital, demanding assurances that similar incidents will not happen again.
Under international law, diplomatic facilities such as consulates are protected from unauthorized entry by foreign law enforcement without permission from consular authorities, though certain emergency exceptions may apply.
The episode comes amid heightened tensions in Minnesota linked to federal immigration enforcement efforts. The deployment of thousands of agents in Minneapolis has already sparked controversy and protests, including following fatal shootings during operations, drawing national and international scrutiny.
Neither the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, immediately responded to requests for comment, Reuters reported.
According to a statement from the ministry, the attempted entry occurred during a large immigration enforcement operation in the city and was reported as an “attempted incursion into the Ecuadorian Consulate by ICE agents.” Ecuador’s mission officials prevented the agent from entering the building, ensuring the protection of Ecuadorian nationals present at the time.
In response to the incident, the Foreign Ministry sent a “note of protest” to the U.S. Embassy in Quito, the Ecuadorean capital, demanding assurances that similar incidents will not happen again.
Under international law, diplomatic facilities such as consulates are protected from unauthorized entry by foreign law enforcement without permission from consular authorities, though certain emergency exceptions may apply.
The episode comes amid heightened tensions in Minnesota linked to federal immigration enforcement efforts. The deployment of thousands of agents in Minneapolis has already sparked controversy and protests, including following fatal shootings during operations, drawing national and international scrutiny.
Neither the U.S. State Department nor the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, immediately responded to requests for comment, Reuters reported.
Related News
