January 29, 2026, 2:04 p.mJanuary 29, 2026, 2:04 p.m
A video shot on Tuesday shows a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer attempting to enter the Ecuadorian consulate in Minneapolis, but is blocked by an employee. This was confirmed by the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry.
The incident occurred as part of a large-scale deportation operation by immigration authorities in Minneapolis. In the published video you can see how a consulate employee makes it clear to the ICE officer at the entrance that he is not allowed to enter the building. The ICE employee then leaves the area after initially objecting.
After the incident, Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero officially submitted a diplomatic note of protest to the US Embassy in Quito, as the ministry announced via the X platform.
According to international treaty, host country authorities may not easily enter diplomatic facilities without the consent of the mission. Consulates and embassies therefore enjoy special protection in order to maintain their inviolability.
(Reuters/EMK)
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