South Minneapolis resident Aliya Rahman, 44, has filed a civil lawsuit in federal court alleging assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence by federal immigration agents who dragged her from her car during the Department of Homeland Security’s Operation Metro Surge on Jan. 13.
Incident and video evidence
According to multiple by‑stander videos posted online, agents surrounded Rahman’s vehicle on Park Avenue near East 34th Street, swore at her, cut her seatbelt and pulled her out while she repeatedly told officers she was disabled. The videos show her shouting that she could not move and that she required assistance.
Legal filing
Rahman filed a tort claim in April, which allows individuals to sue the U.S. government for personal injury. After the government failed to respond within six months, she escalated the claim to a civil lawsuit on Tuesday, seeking an unspecified amount of damages.
Injuries and ongoing impact
Rahman says she continues to suffer double vision, reduced peripheral vision, neck, shoulder and head pain, and chronic concussion‑related symptoms. She reports frequent doctor visits, trouble sleeping and recurring traumatic memories of the arrest. She also describes how strangers now approach her to share their own experiences with the Metro Surge, often triggering further distress.
Background and personal history
Born in northwestern Wisconsin to parents who worked in a grain elevator and on the railroad, Rahman spent her childhood in Bangladesh before moving to the United States in 1999 to attend Purdue University. She has lived in south Minneapolis for several years, describing her neighborhood as close‑knit and reminiscent of her rural upbringing.
Federal response and broader context
The Department of Homeland Security labeled Rahman an “agitator” at the time and accused her of obstructing ICE agents conducting arrests nearby. She was never criminally charged for the Jan. 13 incident. The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized the need for strong immigration enforcement while also urging respect for the constitutional rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
Previous encounter at the Capitol
Rahman also says she was briefly detained while attending President Trump’s State of the Union address in February as a guest of Rep. Ilhan Omar. Capitol Police claimed she refused to sit when ordered, but the charges were later dropped.
Legal and community implications
Rahman’s lawsuit underscores concerns from many community members about the limits of law‑enforcement authority during immigration operations. She argues that clearer standards are needed to protect citizens from unlawful force. The case may prompt further scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics in Minneapolis and elsewhere.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
