Minneapolis Resident Alleges Brutal Tactics in Federal Immigration Arrest
Aliya Rahman, a resident of Minneapolis, filed a formal complaint against the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday, accusing federal immigration enforcement officers of employing brutal tactics and conduct during her arrest in January. The incident occurred as Rahman was driving to a doctor's appointment, when officers reportedly dragged her from her car without explanation.
Legal Action Under the Federal Tort Claims Act
Rahman's complaint, submitted under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleges unlawful use of force and detention by DHS agents. This administrative step is necessary before filing a lawsuit against the federal government, which Rahman intends to pursue. Her legal team, including representatives from The MacArthur Justice Center and the Minnesota-based firm Friedman Gilbert + Gerhardstein, asserts that the officers' actions violated the Constitution, disability laws, and agency policies.
The complaint states, "The federal officers' brutal tactics and conduct during her arrest and detention on January 13th were flagrantly illegal, violating, among other laws, the Constitution, disability law, and agency regulations and policies related to disability accommodations, use of force, arrest practices, detention practices, and provision of medical care." It further claims that officers failed in their duty to ensure Rahman's health and safety while in custody.
Details of the Arrest and Subsequent Trauma
Rahman, a Bangladeshi American software engineer who is autistic and has physical disabilities, described how federal agents stopped her car on Jan. 13, smashed the passenger window, and cut her seat belt to remove her. She was taken to a detention center known for poor conditions, where her requests for medical care were ignored for hours until she fell unconscious. Rahman testified to Congress in February about the ordeal, expressing belief that she nearly died.
In a separate incident, Rahman was dragged out and arrested while attending the State of the Union address as a guest of Rep. Ilhan Omar, though charges were not pursued. In an interview, Rahman emphasized the importance of taking legal action, stating, "It's extremely important we do anything we can to be a force multiplier" and that "This shows we can hit back."
Broader Context and Community Impact
The arrest occurred during a surge of federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota under the Trump administration, which targeted communities of color and resulted in trauma, family separations, and fatalities. Rahman's case seeks monetary compensation for medical bills and car damages exceeding $700, with her attorney noting that DHS has six months to respond before potential court proceedings in Minnesota.
Rahman concluded, "For me, it's a duty to do everything I can, use every tool in my box — I'm not elected, I'm not wealthy — to say we're not going to do this. This is not the country we're going to have."
