Ecuador Files Formal Protest After ICE Agent's Attempted Incursion at US Embassy in Minneapolis
A shocking incident unfolded outside Ecuador's consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday, as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer attempted to "incursion" into the embassy building. The officer, whose actions have left many questioning the level of trust between law enforcement agencies and foreign governments, tried to bypass security measures despite being informed he was not allowed to enter.
In a widely shared video clip, the ICE agent can be seen trying to intimidate a consulate staffer by saying "if you touch me, I will grab you" before eventually retreating. The officer had attempted to force his way into the building, claiming it was an "attempted incursion" by ICE agents, sparking widespread outrage among Ecuadorian officials.
The Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry has since filed a formal protest with the US Embassy in Quito over the incident, stating that they would not tolerate such behavior from law enforcement agencies. The embassy had prevented the officer from entering the building and ensured the safety of anyone present on the premises.
According to the ministry, Minister of Foreign Affairs presented a note of protest to the US Embassy in Ecuador, emphasizing that the consulate is "foreign government property" and demanding measures be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. It remains unclear whether any action will be taken against the ICE agent involved or what diplomatic repercussions may follow.
ICE officials have yet to comment on the incident, while the Department of Homeland Security has also remained silent at this time. As the situation continues to unfold, Ecuador's embassy in Quito has urged caution and restraint from law enforcement agencies operating in the US.
A shocking incident unfolded outside Ecuador's consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday, as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer attempted to "incursion" into the embassy building. The officer, whose actions have left many questioning the level of trust between law enforcement agencies and foreign governments, tried to bypass security measures despite being informed he was not allowed to enter.
In a widely shared video clip, the ICE agent can be seen trying to intimidate a consulate staffer by saying "if you touch me, I will grab you" before eventually retreating. The officer had attempted to force his way into the building, claiming it was an "attempted incursion" by ICE agents, sparking widespread outrage among Ecuadorian officials.
The Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry has since filed a formal protest with the US Embassy in Quito over the incident, stating that they would not tolerate such behavior from law enforcement agencies. The embassy had prevented the officer from entering the building and ensured the safety of anyone present on the premises.
According to the ministry, Minister of Foreign Affairs presented a note of protest to the US Embassy in Ecuador, emphasizing that the consulate is "foreign government property" and demanding measures be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. It remains unclear whether any action will be taken against the ICE agent involved or what diplomatic repercussions may follow.
ICE officials have yet to comment on the incident, while the Department of Homeland Security has also remained silent at this time. As the situation continues to unfold, Ecuador's embassy in Quito has urged caution and restraint from law enforcement agencies operating in the US.
what is going on with these ice agents? trying to break into a foreign consulate in broad daylight like that? it's not exactly the kind of trust-building moment you want between nations... anyway, gotta give points to ecuador for standing up for themselves - filing that formal protest was probably way overdue 
I'm still shaking my head over it. i mean, we all know the tensions are high between countries and law enforcement agencies, but this is just crazy. like, how do u even try to intimidate someone in public without getting caught? 
anyway, i can see why ecuador would be outraged - their embassy is their space, too. maybe this incident will lead to some real change, tho? 
only time'll tell
. Ecuador's right to be furious, I mean, who tries to intimidate someone and then backs down when confronted? It's like, basic human decency. The US should really take responsibility for this kind of behavior and make sure it doesn't happen again. And can we talk about how the video clip is just so wild? The officer saying "if you touch me, I will grab you"?! 
seriously though, it's not cool that they tried to intimidate someone and were just brushed off by the embassy staff. i don't think any diplomatic relations should be affected because of one rogue agent's actions... maybe some extra training for ice agents would be a good idea? 
i mean wut would make them think its okay to try and intimidate someones who works there? i can understand if theres a misunderstanding but trying to force ur way in and making threats?? no thanks lol the ecuadorian government should def stand firm on this one 
and i hope they get some serious action taken against that agent 
can u imagine how nerve wracking it must be for the ppl working there? like, security is super important & u cant just b like "oh, im gonna walk right in" 
anywayz, lets all hope for the best & a resolution 2 dis whole thing 
. Ecuador's reaction seems justified, though - who wants some random law enforcement agent showing up uninvited at their doorstep? 
like what if the dude had actually been all hostile & violent? wouldnt wanna know what kinda training they got 2 stay so chill under pressure lol