Woman arrested after interview by St. Paul journalist

Immediately after leaving an interview with St. Paul journalist Georgia Fort, Isabel Lopez was arrested by  several men in unmarked vehicles – none of whom were wearing visible badges. "We exited minutes after her only witnessing the aftermath. Her shoulder was visibly bleeding," stated Fort.

Fort issued this statement on June 11:

I am deeply shaken. Yesterday, something happened on our doorstep that illuminated the lack of protection or strategy from local officials when it comes to press freedom and public safety.
After witnessing a disturbing federal arrest unfold just outside our office, I immediately contacted several elected officials. Only one answered. What I learned was even more troubling: no one could offer help, clarity, information, or assurance that the First Amendment protections I’m supposed to be covered by still hold weight in moments like this.
What We Witnessed
Just minutes after completing an interview in our downtown Saint Paul office, our guest stepped outside and was immediately surrounded by men in unmarked vehicles.
None wore visible badges.
We came out moments later, not knowing what was going on and quickly pieced together what was happening. We saw Isabel's shoulder bleeding as several people yelled, “You can’t take her,” one man responded, “We have a warrant.”
That was all the information we were given.
Unanswered Questions
How did federal agents know exactly where she would be—and when?
Was she being surveilled? Or targeted for speaking to the press?

Despite pressing for answers, no agency has yet provided clear guidance – or even acknowledged – how aggressive federal tactics like this one fit within constitutional and human-rights frameworks.
Why This Matters
We are entering a climate where sources are afraid to speak publicly in fear of retaliation or arrest. Reporters are being removed from protest sites—as we saw with the CNN correspondent escorted out of LA last week.
What Happens Next & What We Know Now
The U.S. Attorney's Office issued a press release about Isabel’s arrest. According to them she is facing charges related to the protest last Tuesday in South Minneapolis. She is charged by federal complaint and indictment with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees. Video clips circulating online however showed her being assaulted by agents in fatigues. This press release was the first update provided by the federal government about what was seized from the federal raid last week. I have spoken directly with local officials who confirmed that the way the warrant for Isabel's was executed was not legal. I am still waiting on answers about what, if anything, will be done about it.
As a business owner and an acting member of the press, I believe we deserve to feel safe in our own community. That includes the guests who come here to tell their stories.
We are also seeking clarity from our building management to understand what safety protocols exist—and if they are sufficient to protect community members who trust us enough to speak on the record.
What We Need Now
Release the footage that federal officials say supports their allegations against Isabel.
Full transparency on how her location was obtained—and whether she was targeted for speaking to the press.
Accountability for why she was arrested immediately after completing an interview, in front of our office.
Support — I am tired, hurt and concerned for my own safety. Your support is needed now more than ever. Whether that's sharing or contributing please continue to support how you can. We are at a point where we need volunteers as well to help with research, FOIA's and other components of our work. If you or anyone you know can help in that capacity please respond to this email. There are several organizations supporting Isabel as well. You can find out what they need here.
This is about more than one arrest. It’s about whether or not we still live in a place where people can speak freely without fear and whether or not our local officials have any power to protect their constituents. Its about a Federal Administration yielding their force without care, concern or compassion for the communities they are impacting. Its about the dwindling merit of our constitutional rights as Americans.
I will keep you updated as we confirm more facts. Thank you for standing with us—for truth, safety, and accountability.
In solidarity,Georgia Fort
Founder, BLCK Press
President, Center for Broadcast Journalism & Power 104.7 FM

DETAILS FROM CRIMINAL COMPLAINT

The Lake Street raid was one of eight on June 3, 2025.  Details have not been provided on where other search warrants were executed, other than "Burnsville, Bloomington, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Minneapolis, and Northfield," as listed in the criminal complaint filed against Lopez. The execution of the warrants began at residents at 6 a.m. and progressed to business locations. They arrived at  Los Cuatro Milpas restaurant at Bloomington and Lake in Minneapolis at 10:06 a.m.

At a storage facility in Bloomington, a search yielded seizure of more than 900 pounds of crystal methamphetamine concealed in multiple tubes separately held in large spools of metal, according to the criminal complaint against Lopez. Agents estimate that, conservatively, this amount of methamphetamine had a street value of between $22 million and $25 million.

Lopez has been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers outside Los Cuatro Milpas restaurant. The criminal complaint with the statement of FBI Special Agent Monica Evan alleges that Lopez threw a "softball or other ball-shaped object" two times at officers; attempted to hit at least one officer with her amrs and/or closed fist;  kicked an FBI SWAT officer with her foot; pushed the body of an FBI SWAT officer with her arms; and did not allow officers to assist her in stepping down from a trash can she was standing on. A federal grand jury also charged Lopez with one count of obstruction of law enforcement during civil disorder, according a press release issued by the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office (HCSO).

According to the HCSO, "These search warrants were related to a long-term investigation into narcotics trafficking, money laundering, human trafficking, and related offenses. This is a large-scale investigation that crosses both state and federal lines, involving serious crimes with many victims."

Two protestors were arrested outside Los Cuatro Milpas on June 3. There were about 100 protestors present, city council members, other local leaders, and many journalists, including Fort. Lopez was arrested outside BLCK Press offices  on June 10. No one else has been arrested or charged in connection with the search warrants on June 3. 

Last week Jamie Holt, ICE Homeland Security Investigations special agent in charge for St. Paul, claimed responsibility for the operation, stating, “Federal investigators conducted a groundbreaking criminal operation today – Minnesota’s first under the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) umbrella."

During the next Minneapolis City Council meeting, Council Members Jason Chavez, Aisha Chughtai, Aurin Chowdhury, Jamal Osman and Robin Wonsley authored a request for the city auditor to conduct an independent after action review of the city’s actions related to the federal operation involving ICE agents on East Lake and Bloomington.  In her e-newsletter on June 6, Wonsley wrote:" Many of our residents also do not want to see the City of Minneapolis or MPD have any role in these types of frightening, right-wing operations that we know are being led to evoke fear and terror in communities that have immigrant populations with allies who are loudly supportive of them. Even the perception that MPD may have supported or collaborated with Tuesday’s operation is incredibly damaging. Poor public communication by MPD and the Frey administration before, during, and after Tuesday’s operation contributed to that perception.  

" There are still many unanswered questions about the city’s actions. I look forward to reading the results of the audit. I also encourage residents to watch the recording of council’s discussion of this item, as it shows the deep commitment that some council mkembers have to protecting our communities and resisting the Trump administration."

Related: Federal agents raid restaurant at Bloomington and Lake