(DDM) – Former U.S. President Barack Obama sharply criticized the conduct of federal immigration agents in Minnesota, likening their actions to tactics “we’ve seen in authoritarian countries” and “in dictatorships,” stirring fresh debate about civil liberties and enforcement practices.
Obama made the remarks during a wide-ranging interview with podcaster Brian Tyler Cohen released over the weekend, breaking from his recent pattern of limiting public commentary while the next generation of Democrats in the Joe Biden era took the spotlight.
He strongly condemned the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minnesota, which saw roughly 3,000 federal agents deployed across the state.
Obama called the tactics, including agents pulling people from their homes, confronting crowds, and using tear gas against bystanders, “deeply concerning and dangerous” and beyond what citizens should expect in a democratic society.
“It is important for us to recognize the unprecedented nature of what ICE was doing in Minneapolis, St. Paul… pulling people out of their homes… tear-gassing crowds simply who were standing there, not breaking any laws,” Obama said, adding that such behavior had historically appeared in undemocratic regimes.
Obama praised Minnesotans who engaged in what he described as peaceful protest and community organizing, saying their actions “shine a light on the sort of behavior that, in the past, we’ve seen in authoritarian countries and we’ve seen in dictatorships, but we have not seen in America.”
The operation in Minnesota, part of a broader federal immigration enforcement initiative, sparked nationwide backlash after videos circulated showing confrontations between agents and community members.
Critics argued the deployment lacked clear guidelines and adequate training, raising civil rights concerns amid reports of aggressive tactics.
The deployment also followed highly publicized incidents in the Twin Cities, including the deaths of protesters Renée Good and Alex Pretti, which drew national attention and intensified scrutiny of federal enforcement methods.
In response to public pressure, federal officials announced they would end the extended ICE operation, though fallout and community tensions remain elevated.
Obama’s comments reflect growing anxiety among political figures that federal law enforcement may overstep in ways that undermine public confidence and erode democratic norms.
He emphasized that restoring “norms, rule of law, and decency” depends on citizens standing up and demanding accountability from officials and agencies.
The former president also criticized what he described as a decline in public discourse and decorum, responding to recent controversial posts on social media by high-profile political figures.
He said many Americans find such conduct “deeply troubling” and out of step with national values.
Obama’s remarks have ignited debate across political circles, with supporters of the ICE operation defending enforcement actions as necessary for public safety and enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Yet many civil liberties advocates argue the Minnesota surge highlighted deeper concerns about balancing enforcement and constitutional rights.
Observers say the discussion sparked by Obama’s comments will likely influence broader conversations about federal authority, law enforcement transparency, and community relations as the U.S. navigates complex immigration and public safety challenges ahead of upcoming elections.
