Minneapolis, MN — Minnesota and federal authorities are investigating the alleged beating of Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, a Mexican citizen, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents last month. The investigation centers on determining the cause of the eight skull fractures that required hospitalization in Minneapolis.
Investigation Underway
Investigators from the St. Paul Police Department and the FBI canvassed a shopping center parking lot last week, the location where Castañeda Mondragón alleges ICE agents removed him from a vehicle, threw him to the ground, and repeatedly struck him in the head with a steel baton.
ICE attributes Castañeda Mondragón’s injuries to a fall against a concrete wall after he allegedly attempted to flee while handcuffed. However, hospital staff who treated the 31-year-old man told the Associated Press that such a fall could not account for the extent of his injuries, including brain hemorrhaging and fragmented memory. A CT scan revealed fractures to the front, back, and both sides of his skull, which a doctor described as inconsistent with a simple fall.
Castañeda Mondragón stated in an interview earlier this month that the arresting officers were “racist” and “started beating me right away.” His lawyers have suggested ICE racially profiled him.
Lost Evidence and Parallel Investigations
The investigations are complicated by the passage of time. Surveillance footage from at least two businesses in the area may not be available, as cameras either did not capture the incident or the footage was automatically overwritten after 30 days. Johnny Ratana, owner of Teepwo Market, stated that both St. Paul police and FBI agents visited his business seeking the footage.
This investigation occurs alongside a separate federal probe into allegations that two ICE officers lied under oath regarding a shooting in Minneapolis. Federal prosecutors previously dropped charges against two Venezuelan men after video evidence contradicted the officers’ testimony. The FBI also declined to share evidence from the Jan. 24 fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers, which is under Justice Department civil rights investigation.
For weeks, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not comment on Castañeda Mondragón’s injuries and has not answered questions regarding body-worn camera footage of the arrest.
Conflicting Accounts
ICE continues to maintain that Castañeda Mondragón injured himself. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs, stated that he attempted to escape while handcuffed and fell, hitting his head on a concrete wall. However, this account contradicts a Jan. 20 court filing in which ICE stated officers only determined he had overstayed his visa after he was in custody.
Castañeda Mondragón’s lawyers have not commented on ICE’s statement.
Potential Deportation
The criminal investigations may be affected by the delay in gathering evidence. Castañeda Mondragón has been summoned to meet with ICE on Feb. 23 at its Minneapolis detention facility, where he could potentially be taken back into custody and deported.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries did Alberto Castañeda Mondragón sustain?
Alberto Castañeda Mondragón sustained eight skull fractures, brain hemorrhaging, and fragmented memory, requiring hospitalization in the intensive care unit of a Minneapolis hospital.
What is ICE’s explanation for the injuries?
ICE claims Alberto Castañeda Mondragón injured himself by attempting to flee while handcuffed and falling against a concrete wall.
Are there other investigations involving ICE officers in Minnesota?
Yes, there is a separate federal probe into whether two ICE officers lied under oath about a shooting in Minneapolis, and the FBI is conducting a civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers.
As the investigations proceed, will the full circumstances surrounding Alberto Castañeda Mondragón’s injuries come to light?
