Woman Dragged From Car by ICE Speaks Out
A Minneapolis woman was violently pulled from her car by masked ICE agents while shouting that she was disabled. The shocking footage went viral. Now, she is speaking publicly for the first time, challenging federal officials’ claims about the incident.
Aliya Rahman told CNN she was driving to a doctor’s appointment when ICE agents stopped her vehicle last week. She firmly denied involvement in anti-ICE protests, contradicting the Department of Homeland Security’s statements.
The Viral Incident
The arrest occurred amid large protests in Minneapolis. A widely shared video shows masked agents opening Rahman’s car door, cutting her seatbelt, and dragging her out. She repeatedly shouts, “I’m disabled,” and explains she was on her way to see a doctor.
Observers also captured agents smashing the passenger-side window before carrying Rahman to an ICE vehicle. The clip circulated quickly, drawing national attention.
DHS Labels Her an “Agitator”
After the arrest, DHS described Rahman as an “agitator,” claiming she ignored commands to move her car and obstructed the protest scene.
Rahman disputes this. She told CNN that she was not part of the demonstrations and that she remained stationary to protect herself.
Rahman Explains Her Disability
Rahman, who is autistic, experiences auditory processing challenges. She explained that it was nearly impossible to understand what officers were saying over the chaotic noise.
“You see me looking and trying to identify which lips are talking to me,” she said. Masked agents blocked her ability to read lips, making communication difficult.
Aliya Rahman talks in a video posted on January 20, 2026 | Source: YouTube/CNN
Alleged Mistreatment in Detention
Rahman said ICE denied her disability accommodations in custody. Staff ignored repeated requests for a wheelchair. She struggled to stay upright and eventually lost consciousness. Authorities later transported her to a hospital for emergency treatment.
Legal Action May Follow
Rahman’s attorney, Alexa Van Brunt, said they have not been informed whether federal authorities will file charges.
Van Brunt added that ICE agents violated protocols for interacting with civilians, especially those with disabilities. The team is reviewing video footage, collecting evidence, and consulting witnesses to explore legal options.
Tensions Escalate Across Minneapolis
Rahman’s arrest occurred during an intensified federal immigration operation. Thousands of federal agents have conducted citywide arrests, sparking frequent confrontations.
Video of her arrest joined a wave of clips showing tense standoffs between federal agents and protesters. Footage shows some protesters gathering around federal vehicles and shouting commands, while officers used tear gas, pepper balls, and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
Context: Recent Deadly Incident
The arrest followed a separate deadly ICE confrontation. 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was shot during a federal operation days earlier.
Van Brunt said Rahman remained stationary because she feared moving the car could be misinterpreted as aggression, especially given the recent fatality. She believed staying still was the safest choice.
Rahman’s Account vs. DHS Version
Rahman says she was simply traveling to a routine appointment at the Traumatic Brain Injury Center when ICE stopped her.
Her firsthand account directly contradicts DHS claims, fueling public debate and scrutiny over the agency’s enforcement tactics.
Aliya Rahman’s story shines a light on the human impact of federal immigration operations. Her account, captured in viral video, challenges official narratives and raises questions about disability accommodations, use of force, and procedural compliance.
