In a controversial immigration enforcement operation, female US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents faked car trouble to lure a mechanic out of hisMinnesota homebefore arresting him. Security camera footage captured the incident on 12 February in Brooklyn Park, a Minneapolis suburb, where Jesus Flores attempted to assist two women with their vehicle.
His family alleges the ruse allowed agents to detain him without a warrant to enter the property. The case, emerging amid heightened scrutiny of deportation tactics, has drawn attention as of 18 February 2026.
Footagefrom a neighbour's security camera shows two women popping open their car bonnet by the kerbside before approaching Flores' front door. They knocked and asked for help with mechanical issues, prompting the 45-year-old mechanic to step outside and inspect the vehicle.
Hardly a minute passed before three unmarked SUVs arrived, with agents swarming the driveway. Flores, appearing startled, tried to retreat indoors but was apprehended by multiple officers. The women and their car departed with the agents, confirming suspicions of a coordinated ploy. ICE has not commented specifically on the operation, but such methods are not uncommon in targeting individuals without judicial warrants for home entry.
The arrest stemmed from Flores' undocumented status after a prior deportation more than 15 years ago, following which he re-entered the US. Witnesses described the scene as swift and overwhelming, with no visible resistance from Flores beyond his initial dash.
Flores' detention has devastated his family of six, including fourchildren with special needs. His son Miguel recounted the events on a GoFundMe page: 'Two women approachedour door on 02/12/2026 around 1:00pm who were later confirmed to be ICE agents disguised as regular women who knocked on our door asking my dad to help them with car problems & he was then detained.'
The family faces mounting bills for housing, living expenses, and legal fees to secure his release. TheGoFundMecampaign, aiming for £5,165 ($7,000), has already raised £10,770 ($14,596) from supporters. Flores' wife, Dionisia Leyva, highlighted his role as the household's primary provider and emotional anchor. 'This unexpected situation has left our family shocked, scared, heartbroken & searching for answers,' the GoFundMe states.
Among the children are a 25-year-old with autism, a nine-year-old with a heart condition, and others requiring therapy and surgeries. Community members have rallied, but the emotional toll remains profound, with deportation looming if legal efforts fail.
Civil rights groupshave criticised the tactic as manipulative, exploiting human decency to bypass legal protections. Similar ruses have surfaced in other states, raising ethical concerns about ICE operations under current policies.
Please alert others: ICE is having women agents pose as stranded motorists with car troubles to lure people in, then ambush and detain when they try to help her. This has been reported in several states.pic.twitter.com/crSe2x8wtZ
Source: International Business Times UK
