A tragic case in Minneapolis has ignited a fierce debate over sanctuary city policies and cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Victoria Eileen Harwell, a local woman, was killed in August 2024, allegedly by a driver under the influence.
The driver, Llangari Inga, an immigrant from Ecuador, was initially arrested but released from Hennepin County Jail despite a detainer request from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This request, intended to allow ICE to take custody of Inga, went unheeded.
Inga was later arrested again in May 2025 on a warrant for vehicular homicide. Once more, ICE lodged a detainer, only to have Inga released again without notification. He was finally apprehended by ICE days later, revealing a blood alcohol content significantly over Minnesota’s legal limit – 0.141%.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from federal officials, who point to a pattern of non-cooperation with ICE by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. The Department of Homeland Security reports that nearly 470 individuals with criminal records have been released back into Minnesota communities since President Trump took office.
During a recent interview, Mayor Frey defended his administration’s stance, stating a willingness to collaborate on cases involving violent crime like murder. However, he maintained that the focus of ICE’s actions wasn’t aligned with the city’s priorities.
Frey emphasized his support for the city’s immigrant community, stating they are valued members of Minneapolis. He argued that many immigrants have contributed positively to the city, establishing businesses and becoming long-term residents.
When pressed on why his administration wouldn’t cooperate with ICE to detain individuals with criminal records, Frey asserted that many of those targeted by ICE are not a threat to public safety. He drew a distinction between those who commit serious crimes and those simply present in the country without authorization.
Frey framed the increased ICE presence as disruptive and unhelpful, suggesting it creates chaos within the city. He appealed for empathy, asking how residents would want to be treated in similar circumstances, and reiterated his commitment to all members of the Minneapolis community.
The case of Victoria Eileen Harwell serves as a stark example of the complex and emotionally charged issues surrounding immigration policy and public safety, raising questions about the balance between local autonomy and federal enforcement.
