A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was turned away from Ecuador's consulate in Minneapolis on Tuesday after attempting to enter the premises. According to an official complaint filed with the US embassy in Quito, the move prompted a stern response from the Ecuadorian government.
The incident occurred at around 11am, when the ICE officer sought to gain entry into the consulate building where Ecuadorian citizens were present. The consulate staff immediately intervened, preventing the agent from entering and ensuring their safety.
"This is the consulate of Ecuador, you are not allowed to enter," an employee told the agent, according to video footage obtained by Reuters. "Relax, relax, I didn't enter" was the agent's reply before telling the staffer that if they were touched, he would grab them.
The Ecuadorian foreign ministry has expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a serious breach of diplomatic protocol and warning that such actions could put American diplomats abroad at risk. "Diplomatic facilities are protected for a reason," said Greg Meeks, top Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee. "Any effort by US law enforcement officials to enter another country's diplomatic facility without permission is not only unlawful, it risks setting a profoundly dangerous precedent."
Meeks accused ICE of operating without rules or accountability and warned that the attempted intrusion was a sign of their complete lack of control. The Ecuadorian government has submitted a formal note of protest to the US embassy in Quito, vowing to prevent similar incidents at any of its consular offices in the United States.
The incident comes as part of ICE's ongoing efforts to arrest individuals suspected of being in the US without proper documentation. However, it has sparked widespread outrage over recent deaths during a US operation dubbed "Metro Surge".
The incident occurred at around 11am, when the ICE officer sought to gain entry into the consulate building where Ecuadorian citizens were present. The consulate staff immediately intervened, preventing the agent from entering and ensuring their safety.
"This is the consulate of Ecuador, you are not allowed to enter," an employee told the agent, according to video footage obtained by Reuters. "Relax, relax, I didn't enter" was the agent's reply before telling the staffer that if they were touched, he would grab them.
The Ecuadorian foreign ministry has expressed outrage over the incident, describing it as a serious breach of diplomatic protocol and warning that such actions could put American diplomats abroad at risk. "Diplomatic facilities are protected for a reason," said Greg Meeks, top Democrat on the House foreign affairs committee. "Any effort by US law enforcement officials to enter another country's diplomatic facility without permission is not only unlawful, it risks setting a profoundly dangerous precedent."
Meeks accused ICE of operating without rules or accountability and warned that the attempted intrusion was a sign of their complete lack of control. The Ecuadorian government has submitted a formal note of protest to the US embassy in Quito, vowing to prevent similar incidents at any of its consular offices in the United States.
The incident comes as part of ICE's ongoing efforts to arrest individuals suspected of being in the US without proper documentation. However, it has sparked widespread outrage over recent deaths during a US operation dubbed "Metro Surge".
The thing is, I can kinda see both sides here... I mean, someone (ICE agent) is clearly trying to do their job, but at what cost? 
The Ecuadorian government is right to be upset - diplomatic protocols are in place for a reason. But on the other hand, we gotta consider the context of what's going on with immigration and borders... ICE is doing their part to enforce laws, even if it means some uncomfortable situations like this. 
It just feels like there needs to be more communication and cooperation between countries when these kinds of incidents happen. 
Can't we all just find a way to work together?
. Like, seriously, who tries to just barge into some diplomat's office? It's not like they're just gonna let you in and start asking questions or something. The guy was literally told no, calm down, and threatened to grab someone... that's just crazy talk 
. And now the Ecuadorian government is all upset because some ICE dude tried to breach diplomatic protocol 
. I mean, can't they just follow basic rules? And what's with all these "Metro Surge" ops? Sounds like a recipe for disaster 
I mean, come on, didn't they see the "Diplomatic Facility" sign on the door? 
It's not like it's some random building downtown. The fact that ICE is trying to muscle their way into a country's consulate without permission is just ridiculous. 
i mean, what's next? them showing up at our embassies in latin america too? this is a huge red flag for america's reputation abroad and it's not hard to see why ecuador is so upset. we need some serious changes in how our law enforcement agencies interact with foreign governments 
the whole thing feels like a recipe for disaster 
meanwhile, america's got some nerve accusing others of not having control. newsflash: you're probably the one who needs an intervention 
. That's not a threat, that's a promise of violence 
. And now the Ecuadorian government is warning US diplomats abroad about their own agency 
anyone else think ICE is just a hot mess? 
let's get to the bottom of why ICE is so extra