In the days following heightened federal activity in Minneapolis, unrest spread across parts of the city after a widely reported shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer wounded a migrant and sparked protests.
As demonstrations grew, tensions escalated between protesters and federal personnel. During one protest, officers were forced to abandon several vehicles as crowds expanded and the situation became volatile.
Among the vehicles left behind was an unmarked FBI vehicle. Federal authorities later said it was broken into during the unrest.
According to a federal announcement, Raul Gutierrez, 33, of Minneapolis, was charged with breaking into the FBI vehicle and stealing a rifle along with other government property.
Prosecutors allege Gutierrez is affiliated with the Latin Kings gang and has prior felony convictions. He now faces federal charges including possession of a firearm as a felon and theft of government property.
Officials said the stolen rifle was later recovered with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after the theft was reported.
Leaders from the FBI, ATF, and the Department of Justice emphasized that damaging or stealing government property poses serious risks to public safety and said arrests were made to hold those responsible accountable.
At the same time, differing perspectives have emerged. While federal officials stress enforcement of criminal laws during protests, local leaders and community members point to the federal shooting and broader enforcement policies as key factors fueling a tense and emotionally charged environment.