Native Issues
Immigration
Feb 2, 2026

Dakota woman recounts more than 48 hours in immigration detention


February 2, 2026

A Mdewakanton Dakota woman said she was detained for more than 48 hours by federal immigration agents in the Twin Cities area after being accused of obstructing an investigation. According to ICT, Sophie Watso, 30, was detained Jan. 14 in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and held until Jan. 16.

Watso said agents approached her vehicle while she was monitoring immigration activity and accused her of violating U.S. Code 18 Section 111. She said agents broke the windows of her truck, removed her from the vehicle and detained her. Watso was taken to the Bishop Henry Whipple Building at Fort Snelling, which is being used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as an immigration detention and processing site, according to ICT.

Watso said she was later transferred to Sherburne County Jail, where she was released without charges. She said the experience left her traumatized and fearful.

  1. 1.ICT.

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