Minneapolis Uber Driver Confronts Border Patrol Over Racist Remarks
When Ahmed Bin Hassan, a Somali-American Uber driver, received a knock on his car window at the Minneapolis airport, he expected it to be an ordinary pickup or drop-off request. Instead, it was a surprise encounter with a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
"I can hear you don't have the same accent as me," the agent said, setting the tone for a confrontational conversation that would unfold in the media and spark widespread outrage.
Bin Hassan, 38, who moved to the United States in 2005, had been driving for Uber just a month ago. He had faced difficulties finding work in his field of mechanical engineering due to racism and xenophobia. The encounter with the Border Patrol agent became a defining moment in Bin Hassan's life, exposing him to a world of racial profiling and prejudice that he had previously not fully understood.
"I knew what he meant, and I wanted to let him say all his racist stuff out," Bin Hassan told The Intercept. He then proceeded to mock the agent's ID badge, which featured numbers and letters, rather than using their real name, saying "I was making fun of his name because it was the only way I could calm myself down."
In response, the Border Patrol agent became increasingly agitated, eventually threatening Bin Hassan with physical harm. The agents then proceeded to take videos and photographs of him as he continued to refuse to share his identity or citizenship status.
Bin Hassan's actions that day were inspired by a desire for justice and equality. He said he was angry but not scared, stating "when it comes to the ICE officers, we've met each other, they know me... if they’ve decided to leave me alone because they found out I am a citizen, they’ve made that decision too."
Despite facing threats from federal agents, Bin Hassan remains committed to driving for Uber and continues to speak out against racial bias.
When Ahmed Bin Hassan, a Somali-American Uber driver, received a knock on his car window at the Minneapolis airport, he expected it to be an ordinary pickup or drop-off request. Instead, it was a surprise encounter with a U.S. Border Patrol agent.
"I can hear you don't have the same accent as me," the agent said, setting the tone for a confrontational conversation that would unfold in the media and spark widespread outrage.
Bin Hassan, 38, who moved to the United States in 2005, had been driving for Uber just a month ago. He had faced difficulties finding work in his field of mechanical engineering due to racism and xenophobia. The encounter with the Border Patrol agent became a defining moment in Bin Hassan's life, exposing him to a world of racial profiling and prejudice that he had previously not fully understood.
"I knew what he meant, and I wanted to let him say all his racist stuff out," Bin Hassan told The Intercept. He then proceeded to mock the agent's ID badge, which featured numbers and letters, rather than using their real name, saying "I was making fun of his name because it was the only way I could calm myself down."
In response, the Border Patrol agent became increasingly agitated, eventually threatening Bin Hassan with physical harm. The agents then proceeded to take videos and photographs of him as he continued to refuse to share his identity or citizenship status.
Bin Hassan's actions that day were inspired by a desire for justice and equality. He said he was angry but not scared, stating "when it comes to the ICE officers, we've met each other, they know me... if they’ve decided to leave me alone because they found out I am a citizen, they’ve made that decision too."
Despite facing threats from federal agents, Bin Hassan remains committed to driving for Uber and continues to speak out against racial bias.
. I mean, who expects to have a racist encounter with someone who's supposed to be protecting our country? It just goes to show how much of a problem racism is in this world. I've had my own share of weird experiences as an Uber driver, but nothing like this. Ahmed Bin Hassan seems like a total stand-up guy for standing up to the agent and refusing to back down. And honestly, who needs to be threatened with physical harm just because they're speaking out against racism? 
The fact that he's still driving for Uber and continuing to speak out is really inspiring to me. It shows that even in the face of adversity, we can use our voices to make a difference 
. I mean, what's next? Agents asking people for their papers just because of the color of their skin? It's like something out of a movie, but it's real life, folks 
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. He's a hero, man. A hero who's not afraid to stand up for what's right, even if it means going toe-to-toe with the man in blue 
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. We need more people like him who aren't afraid to speak out against racism and prejudice. It's time we take a stand, just like he did 
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this incident is just mind-blowing, i mean, can u imagine being stopped by border patrol bc of ur accent? it's not just the racist remarks that are the problem, its the fact that he was profiled because of his ethnicity and didn't even get a chance to show him his ID or explain himself. 
u need to see more people stand up against this kind of behavior like Ahmed did, especially as ppl who have faced similar struggles themselves. it's not about being confrontational, its about asserting ur rights and demanding respect. 
this is wild 
theyre supposed to be protectin people not makin racist comments & threatenin drivers like ahmed bin hassan. its crazy how ppl still think dey can get away w/hat. 
i feel 4 ahmed, he's a citizen too u know! 
hes doin the right thing speakin out against racism & prejudice even if it means facin threats from federal agents. 
like, whats wrong w/ahmeds accent or somethin? 
, some people just dont understand what equality means 
, a little bit of sarcasm and shade can go a looong way in shutting down racist nonsense 
, bin Hassan knew exactly how to handle that situation like a pro 
, he ain't no hero but more like a legend in the making 
, all these agents needed was a good dose of humility and a reminder they ain't above the law 
This incident highlights the urgent need for education and awareness about the dangers of racial profiling. The fact that Ahmed Bin Hassan was able to think on his feet and use humor to diffuse the situation is a testament to his resilience and determination 
. It's also concerning that Border Patrol agents were more focused on documenting Bin Hassan than engaging in constructive dialogue, which speaks volumes about their biases 
. As a society, we need to work towards creating spaces where people feel safe and valued, regardless of their background or identity 
. Ahmed Bin Hassan's bravery is an inspiration, and I hope his story sparks meaningful conversations about racial justice and equality 
. The agents were probably just doing their job, keeping America safe from all the immigrants trying to sneak in 
and btw, has anyone seen the videos of him mocking his badge? 
gotta see that for myself!!! 
! A guy gets stopped by the border patrol at the airport because of his accent and then has the nerve to make fun of their ID badge? Like what's next? He didn't even do it aggressively or out of anger, he did it more like a joke 
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. I hope Ahmed Bin Hassan continues to speak out against racial bias, but maybe we can find ways to do that without putting ourselves in harm's way too? 
, livin in the US since 2005 and still facin racism & xenophobia in everyday life 
. that border patrol agent's behavior is literally unbelievable 
the agent was clearly harassing him & bin hassan refused 2 back down even when they threatened him with physical harm 
. It takes a big person to stay calm and stand up for themselves, especially when they're facing real threats 
. Can't we just have an open and honest conversation about racism without someone trying to take our life away? 
This is just heartbreaking 
️ is literally unacceptable 
? He's just trying to make a living and do his job like every other human being 
, but nope 
. I mean, sure, the Border Patrol agent was threatening him with physical harm 
. It's like he knew exactly what he was doing 
, using his own voice against hate and racism 
, not just because of how he stood up for himself, but also because of how committed he is to driving for Uber and speaking out against racial bias 
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