Minnesota Man Fears Deportation After Latest Immigration Crackdown

Sat Jan 17 2026 22:57:41 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Garrison Gibson, a Liberian refugee, grapples with the trauma of recent immigration enforcement actions. Following his detention, he expresses ongoing fear and uncertainty about his future in the United States amid protests against aggressive immigration policies.

Garrison Gibson, a 38-year-old man fleeing civil war in Liberia, remains terrified after his recent detention by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. Arrested during the Trump administration's crackdown, Gibson's fear of deportation has left him hesitant to step outside. His case has drawn significant protests in the Twin Cities, which have seen aggressive immigration enforcement tactics resulting in thousands of arrests. Despite legal challenges, Gibson insists he has complied with regulations and seeks to stay in the country legally.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A man who fled civil war in Liberia as a child has expressed his ongoing fear of leaving his home in Minneapolis. This comes after he was arrested during the Trump administration's recent immigration crackdown.

Garrison Gibson, age 38, shared that a video showing federal officers breaking down his front door with a battering ram on January 11 has become a rallying point for protesters opposing harsh immigration policies in the Twin Cities.

Protests and counterprotests on the matter were anticipated last Saturday as enforcement actions continued, with federal officials reporting over 2,500 arrests.

Gibson faces deportation based on a drug conviction from 2008, which has since been dismissed. He had previously been able to remain in the U.S. legally under an order of supervision. Following his recent arrest, a judge ruled that federal officials failed to provide adequate notice regarding the revocation of this status.

During a routine immigration check-in, Gibson was taken back into custody for several hours. His cousin, Abena Abraham, revealed that officials informed her that White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller had mandated Gibson's re-arrest.

The White House has denied this account and the implication of Miller’s involvement. The Department of Homeland Security characterized an 'activist judge' as obstructing the government's efforts to deport 'criminal illegal aliens.'

Despite his circumstances, Gibson has pointed out that he has been compliant: 'If I was a violent person, I would not have been out these past 17 years, checking in.'

The ongoing immigration enforcement has sparked persistent protests in the liberal areas of Minneapolis, as immigration officers have been accused of aggressive tactics in handling demonstrators and residents alike. A federal judge recently ruled that officers cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters not obstructing operations.

With fears of deportation looming, Gibson continues to reflect on his experience in the U.S., where he has built a life despite the chaos surrounding him.