A Somali-American Uber driver was accosted by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis, sparking outrage and raising questions about racism.
The incident occurred when Ahmed Bin Hassan, who is 38 years old, was driving for Uber at the airport. He was sitting alone in his car, watching videos of a recent killing by an ICE agent that had sparked widespread outrage on social media. Suddenly, a Border Patrol agent knocked on his window.
Bin Hassan opened the door to find himself face-to-face with a masked ICE agent who claimed Bin Hassan didn't look like him, and therefore, was likely not from the United States. Bin Hassan replied that he understood what the agent meant but didn't want to be told about his ethnicity.
As the confrontation continued, Bin Hassan refused to show his identification or citizenship documents to the agents. He questioned their right to ask for such information and asked them for their ID numbers instead. The agents became agitated, saying "shut up" at one point, while trying to take cellphone videos of the scene.
Bin Hassan has said he was not afraid during the confrontation because he is a U.S. citizen who believes in his faith. He has also stated that he is aware of what the agent meant by his question and chose not to respond.
In recent months, Minneapolis has seen an uptick in immigration enforcement actions against Somali immigrants. Bin Hassan and others like him have expressed concerns about the tactics used by ICE agents.
The incident highlights issues with racism and xenophobia faced by minority communities.
The incident occurred when Ahmed Bin Hassan, who is 38 years old, was driving for Uber at the airport. He was sitting alone in his car, watching videos of a recent killing by an ICE agent that had sparked widespread outrage on social media. Suddenly, a Border Patrol agent knocked on his window.
Bin Hassan opened the door to find himself face-to-face with a masked ICE agent who claimed Bin Hassan didn't look like him, and therefore, was likely not from the United States. Bin Hassan replied that he understood what the agent meant but didn't want to be told about his ethnicity.
As the confrontation continued, Bin Hassan refused to show his identification or citizenship documents to the agents. He questioned their right to ask for such information and asked them for their ID numbers instead. The agents became agitated, saying "shut up" at one point, while trying to take cellphone videos of the scene.
Bin Hassan has said he was not afraid during the confrontation because he is a U.S. citizen who believes in his faith. He has also stated that he is aware of what the agent meant by his question and chose not to respond.
In recent months, Minneapolis has seen an uptick in immigration enforcement actions against Somali immigrants. Bin Hassan and others like him have expressed concerns about the tactics used by ICE agents.
The incident highlights issues with racism and xenophobia faced by minority communities.
... i mean, can u believe some ppl think they can just go around asking for someone's ethnicity and expect them to be like "oh yeah, that's me"? like, what kind of nonsense is that? 
bin hassan was totally right to not show his docs or ID, it's like, who gets to ask for that kinda info anyway?
like, shut up isn't a valid response. and taking cellphone vids of the scene? that's just harassment. i don't think anyone should have to deal with that kind of treatment from authority figures.
anyway, gotta give props to bin hassan for staying calm and assertive during that whole situation. he's a true hero 
. I mean, it's not like they were being discriminatory or anything, just trying to verify someone's identity. But at the same time, I get why Ahmed Bin Hassan was upset, his reaction seemed pretty reasonable 
. And honestly, if I'm driving for Uber and some cop comes up to me asking for ID numbers, I'd be like "same question" 
but the whole situation just feels so... invasive. Like, ICE agents shouldn't be asking people about their ethnicity or citizenship without solid reason, you know? And the fact that they were trying to take cellphone videos of the scene just adds to the weirdness 
. But at the same time, I can see how he might feel empowered by knowing his rights and standing up for himself.
I'm so sorry this happened to Ahmed! You can imagine how scary it must've been for him, sitting alone in his car, feeling already anxious from watching those videos of what happened to that other ICE agent... 
But honestly, I think he handled himself like a total boss! I mean, refusing to show ID and citizenship documents? That takes so much courage! And not letting their racist comments get to him? 
That's just amazing!
We need more people like him who stand up for themselves and their communities! 
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this one... a Somali-American dude just got accosted by Border Patrol agents at the airport, just 'cause they thought he didn't look like them? Like, what's next? Asking people for ID based on their skin tone or accent? It's wild that Ahmed Bin Hassan stood his ground and refused to play along, but I'm also kinda worried about the safety of others who might get targeted because of xenophobia. Minneapolis has been dealing with a lot of immigration enforcement issues lately, and this just feels like another example of how systemic racism can be super subtle (but still SO problematic). 
. I get it, Bin Hassan might not want to show his ID, but shouldn't people be treated with respect and dignity? The way the agents were speaking to him, like "shut up" 
. sounds like a classic case of "I don't know you, so I'm gonna assume you're not who you say u r"... um, no thanks, agents... I've got my passport right here, btw. 
any way, Ahmed Bin Hassan is super brave for standing up to them & not playing along... guess that's what happens when u know ur rights 
and honestly, it's a bit concerning that there's been an uptick in immigration enforcement actions against Somali immigrants in Minneapolis - hope this doesn't lead to more drama 
.