Border Patrol agent shares hug with anti-ICE protester during Minnesota clash, says 'I love you'

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Several videos of protests, rallies, and confrontations with ICE officers and Border Patrol agents have circulated widely on social media. While most clips highlight tension and conflict, a recently shared video captured a rare and emotional moment.

The footage shows Border Patrol agent Jonathan Ross sharing a hug with an anti-ICE protester during demonstrations in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good. Their conversation is clearly audible, showing calm, humor, and connection amid nationwide unrest over immigration enforcement

Border Patrol agent hugs protester in emotional Minnesota moment

On Thursday, January 10, Jonathan Ross, wearing full Border Patrol gear, spoke with a woman protesting immigration enforcement. The protester carried a bullhorn and had previously worn a gas mask. During their conversation, Ross attempted to find common ground by discussing their shared background in the United States military.

“You signed up to become a soldier, right?” Ross asked. “The purpose of the soldier is to go to war. This mission is different with Border Patrol. I understand because I was in the Air Force, and I was an airman.”

“Not the Air Force. They’re fly boys,” the woman quipped. “If you’d been a Marine, I would have brought you some crayons. No, listen…” 

“I love you,” Ross said as they both laughed. “I want to hug you.” The woman initially hesitated, glancing at other agents nearby. “You can hug me. I would embrace it if you would hug me,” she said. Ross then stepped out of formation and embraced her, prompting smiles from both.

Conversation turns to race and protester’s plea

Their discussion later turned to race after the protester asked what Ross would do if he saw “a Brown-skinned person,” referencing racial profiling. Ross showed his uncovered hands to indicate he is not White.

“What are you, the force of immigrants?” the protester asked, pointing to the line of Border Patrol agents. She urged Ross and other agents with immigrant families to reflect and communicate with their loved ones.

“You don’t have to do this,” she told Ross. “And if you do want to stay in Border Patrol, for God’s sake, quit protecting ICE.”

Hostility and unrest in Minnesota after Renee Nicole Good’s death

Minnesota has been tense following the January 7 shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. She was shot three times while sitting in her SUV during a federal operation in Minneapolis. Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent involved, has been identified by federal officials as acting in self-defense, claiming her vehicle posed a threat to officers. Thousands have taken to the streets, demanding answers, justice, and accountability for ICE’s actions.