Alleged Assault on Mexican Immigrant Raises Concerns Over ICE Practices in Minneapolis

Mon Feb 02 2026 14:57:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A Mexican immigrant, Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, sustained severe injuries while in ICE custody, provoking scrutiny of the agency's conduct and sparking tensions at local hospitals.

Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, a 31-year-old Mexican immigrant, suffered significant facial and skull injuries while in custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Initially reported as a self-inflicted injury during an escape attempt, medical staff at Hennepin County Medical Center disputed this explanation, stating the nature of his injuries aligned more with a serious assault. Concerns over ICE's presence in hospitals have risen, as healthcare workers report feeling intimidated by armed agents loitering and questioning hospital staff and patients. The incident has further fueled discussions about immigration enforcement protocols and the treatment of detainees in medical settings.

Injuries Lead to Questions about ICE Protocols

In early January, Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, a Mexican immigrant, was hospitalized in Minneapolis with severe facial and skull injuries while in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His injuries have raised critical questions about the agency's treatment of detainees and the agency’s conduct in situations involving vulnerable populations.

Initially, ICE claimed Mondragón had attempted to escape while handcuffed, alleging he ran into a brick wall. However, medical staff from Hennepin County Medical Center countered that his injuries were inconsistent with such an account, describing them instead as indicative of significant trauma possibly caused by external force.

Medical professionals, speaking anonymously, shared their disbelief about the ICE narrative, asserting it was unlikely that Mondragón’s severe injuries could have resulted from a self-inflicted accident.

A Pattern of Tension in Medical Environments

The situation has exacerbated tensions between local hospitals and ICE, with reports of armed agents entering facilities and pressuring patients and staff for proof of citizenship. Nurses and doctors have expressed concerns over their safety and the ethical implications of having law enforcement present in healthcare settings.

According to staff, many feel intimidated, leading to encrypted communication to discuss hospital protocols for interacting with ICE agents. In light of these events, the hospital has reiterated its commitment to patient confidentiality and outlined policies ensuring that ICE agents can’t access patients without a warrant.

Background: Who is Alberto Castañeda Mondragón?

Gregorio Castañeda Mondragón, Alberto's brother, highlighted the personal impact of the incident, revealing that Alberto, who moved to the U.S. in 2022, was a lawful immigrant and the primary financial supporter of his family in Mexico. As the situation unfolded, it exposed deeper issues related to immigration enforcement and policies regarding health care access for immigrants.

The Aftermath and Future Implications

Following the injuries and subsequent hospital stay, Federal authorities released Mondragón from custody, but concerns remain regarding his future as he recovers from serious trauma. Advocates continue to demand accountability from ICE, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reform in how immigration enforcement is conducted, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals.