In brief
The Jackson family's terrifying experience reflects a growing concern regarding the use of force during immigration operations in the Twin Cities. Destiny Jackson described the incident where she, her husband, and three of their children, including an infant, needed hospital care after being enveloped in tear gas meant for protesters.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minneapolis couple shared their harrowing experience that happened after inadvertently getting caught between protesters and immigration officers during a chaotic demonstration this week. Destiny Jackson and her family were driving home when a federal officer rolled a tear gas canister under their SUV, flooding the vehicle with toxic fumes.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, underscores how families in the Twin Cities are swept into the fallout of the Trump administration's significant immigration enforcement operations. Jackson, 26, was navigating home with her husband and their six children when they encountered a blocked-off street in north Minneapolis, where protests were occurring following a police shooting.
Initially, the scenario appeared calm as they partook in asking what was happening. After spending approximately 20-30 minutes persuading her mother to leave the area, Jackson noted increased tensions with sounds of flash-bangs and the smell of smoke filling the air.
Despite their attempts to leave, they were confronted by federal officers who insisted they vacate the scene. Ultimately, Jackson recounted that they waited for the officers to pass by before making their escape, but were met with the chaotic injection of tear gas that left her children in distress.
Reports indicated that the family rushed out of the SUV as their children cried in panic over their inability to breathe. Their 6-month-old infant, initially unresponsive, was treated alongside other children before receiving hospital care.
The fire department clarified that the emergency response was focused on an infant in respiratory distress but emphasized that their actions were not aimed at the Jackson family in particular. After sharing their story online, Jackson received numerous threats and harassment but remains resolute in her desire to speak out about the incident.
“I try not to pay attention to the negative. I know what was going on. I know what my intentions were,” she affirmed, stressing her commitment to safeguarding her family.
