Approximately 75 people protested Friday in Bismarck, voicing opposition to recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations conducted in the area. The demonstration took place in front of the William L. Guy Federal Building, largely in response to increased ICE activity this week, including two arrests that led to a popular local Mexican restaurant, Charras and Tequila, temporarily closing its doors.
The owner of Charras and Tequila posted on Facebook Wednesday, stating that two employees had been detained by ICE. According to the social media post, these employees possess documentation authorizing them to work in the U.S. The owner conveyed deep concern for the employees and their loved ones, emphasizing the business's commitment to operating "the right way, follow the rules, and provide jobs to our community." The restaurant remained closed Friday, with the owner noting that many employees, even those legally present, were scared to come to work. Both the owner and St. Paul attorney Nico Ratkowski, representing the restaurant employees, declined interview requests on Friday.
An ICE spokesperson, however, stated Friday that the two employees entered the U.S. illegally and lack legal status. The spokesperson clarified in an email that "work authorization or a pending application does NOT confer legal status in the United States," adding that the individuals would remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings.
The increase in detentions was evident at the Burleigh-Morton Detention Center. A North Dakota Monitor review on Friday afternoon showed 19 people in custody who had been arrested by ICE this week. Earlier in the week, The Bismarck Tribune reported more than two dozen ICE detainees in the jail.
Burleigh County Sheriff Kelly Leben confirmed that his office was notified of the immigration enforcement operations and provided monitoring and assistance. Sheriff Leben described these as "targeted enforcement operations" based on intelligence, considering them "routine enforcement." He added that the sheriff's office played a "very limited role in the operation," given the national tensions surrounding immigration enforcement. Nick Chase, U.S. attorney for North Dakota, stated Friday that his office has not filed any criminal charges in connection with the ICE arrests in Bismarck. Chase noted that only a small percentage of ICE detainments result in criminal cases.
During the protest, residents shared their concerns. Sonja Mahlum of Bismarck expressed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is "out of control," believing they are not pursuing "the worst of the worst." Rachel Patrie of Bismarck emphasized the importance of due process rights for those arrested by immigration officers. Patrie stated a belief that it is "unconstitutional" when things go wrong and that people making an effort to be here legally should be allowed to do so. Fran Joersz of Bismarck expressed pride in those speaking up for immigrant communities and voiced a desire for a "path to citizenship," concluding, "It’s not my America." Joersz mentioned protesting the Charras workers' arrests alongside officer-involved shootings in other states.
