Federal agents arrest Latin Kings member Raul Gutierrez for stealing a rifle and body armor from a vandalized FBI vehicle during Minneapolis unrest tied to ICE shootings, highlighting gang opportunism amid immigration tensions.
Gang Member Caught in Minneapolis Chaos: Steals FBI Rifle Amid Deadly ICE Protests:
Federal agents have arrested 33-year-old Raul Gutierrez, an alleged member of the violent Latin Kings gang, after he allegedly broke into an unmarked FBI vehicle and stole a rifle, a suppressor, body armor, and other government equipment. The theft happened on January 14, 2026, during angry protests in north Minneapolis. The unrest began after two separate incidents involving ICE agents: one where an agent shot and killed a woman, and another where an agent wounded a man during an arrest attempt. The protests quickly turned violent, creating the perfect opportunity for the theft. This arrest shines a spotlight on the growing anger over immigration enforcement under President Trump and the serious dangers facing both police and the public in tense city neighborhoods.
North Minneapolis Erupts: ICE Shootings Ignite Riots, Gang Member Snatches FBI Rifle:
The chaos erupted on January 14, 2026, when around 200 protesters gathered in north Minneapolis after an ICE agent shot and injured a man during an attempted arrest near 24th Avenue North. This followed another ICE-involved fatal shooting earlier that day, where agents killed Renee Nicole Good during a separate operation. As tensions boiled over, crowds vandalized multiple federal vehicles, including an unmarked FBI SUV, forcing agents to abandon the scene for safety.
Surveillance and citizen footage captured Gutierrez allegedly smashing into the FBI vehicle and removing a rifle bag containing the Colt M16A1 and suppressor, along with body armor and other gear. According to the criminal complaint filed in U.S District Court, Gutierrez, prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions, was identified through distinctive tattoos-including a crown on his cheek and “No Love” on his forehead-and vehicle license plates recorded by onlookers.
A joint task force, including FBI, ATF, and local police, tracked Gutierrez to a nearby location. He fled briefly in a vehicle but was apprehended without further incident on January 15. Items recovered included the stolen rifle and suppressor, confirming the theft. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest on social media that evening, stating, “One individual who allegedly stole federal government property out of an FBI vehicle in Minneapolis last night has been arrested.” He emphasized the suspect’s gang ties and violent history, adding that more arrests are forthcoming.
Gutierrez made his initial court appearance on January 16 before a federal magistrate in Minneapolis, where prosecutors detailed his criminal record, including convictions for assault and weapons offenses. Bail was denied due to flight risk and public safety concerns. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota.
Exploiting the Storm: How Gang Networks Capitalize on Immigration Tensions and Civil Disorder:
The Latin Kings, founded in Chicago in the 1950s as a Hispanic street gang, have evolved into one of the largest and most organized criminal enterprises in the U.S, with chapters in over 30 states, including Minnesota, Known for drug trafficking, extortion, and violent turf wars, the gang uses symbols like crowns and the phrase “Amor de Rey” (King Love). In Minnesota, the Latin Kings have been active since the 1990s, linked to numerous homicides and narcotics operations, as documented in federal indictments from the 2010s.
This arrest ties into broader unrest over immigration policies under President Donald Trump’s second term. The January 14 incidents marked the second and third ICE-involved shootings in Minneapolis within days, fueling accusations of excessive force. The fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 28-year-old local resident, occurred during an arrest attempt, while the non-fatal incident involved an undocumented immigrant resisting deportation. Protests quickly escalated, echoing the 2020 George Floyd riots that devastated the city.
The significance extends beyond one arrest: It exposes vulnerabilities in federal operations during civil disturbances, where agents must balance enforcement with safety. Gutierrez’s alleged actions highlight how gang elements can exploit chaos for opportunistic crimes, potentially arming criminal networks with high-powered weapons. This event also amplifies debates on gang infiltration in urban areas and the effectiveness of federal task forces in curbing transnational threats.