FBI steps in after mob brutalizes TPUSA reporter Savanah Hernandez at Minnesota ICE protest

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Federal authorities have launched an investigation into an alleged assault on a journalist during an anti-ICE protest in Minneapolis on Sunday, April 12, marking the latest flashpoint in a series of confrontations surrounding immigration demonstrations.

The incident, which reportedly occurred outside a federal building, has drawn attention from the Justice Department, with officials confirming that the matter is now under federal review.

Harmeet Dhillon confirms FBI probe into alleged assault

The investigation gained momentum after Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for Civil Rights, publicly confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into the alleged assault.

Responding to a social media post about the incident, Dhillon wrote a one-word reply, "correct," signaling that federal authorities are actively examining the case.

The alleged victim, Savanah Hernandez, a contributor associated with Turning Point USA, claimed she was targeted while covering the protest.

In a statement posted online, Hernandez claimed that she was “brutally assaulted by multiple people” while filming events at the demonstration.

Local law enforcement also responded to the unrest. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office reportedly confirmed that four individuals were taken into custody during the protest. 

According to officials, three arrests were made in connection with the alleged assault of a journalist and a deputy, while a fourth person was arrested for obstruction involving force against law enforcement.

Authorities, however, did not officially name the journalist involved.

Hernandez later shared an update on her condition, stating that she suffered minor physical injuries, including scrapes to her legs, along with soreness in her neck and back.

“Doing okay,” she wrote, indicating that her injuries were not severe. As of now, no formal charges have been announced in connection with the incident.

Hernandez also said, “For far too long, the violent left has been allowed to get away with repeated attacks on journalists. I'm looking forward to justice being served after what happened.”

Alleged pattern of clashes during anti-ICE protests

The incident is not isolated, as tensions around protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis have led to multiple confrontations in the past.

On February 2, a reporter affiliated with the Daily Caller News Foundation was reportedly attacked while covering a protest near a temporary roadblock set up by demonstrators. 

That situation required police intervention to disperse the crowd.

Independent journalists Cam Higby and Nick Sortor were also caught in a separate incident in January, where they reported being targeted by a group opposing ICE-related activities.

In another instance, video footage captured by journalist Jorge Ventura showed a counter-protester being attacked during a demonstration tied to allegations of welfare fraud.

The protest was linked to activist Jake Lang and centered on claims involving misuse of public funds.