MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Jackson family of Minneapolis faced a terrifying ordeal this week when they found themselves trapped between protesters and federal immigration officers during an enforcement operation. An officer rolled a tear gas canister under their SUV, saturating the vehicle with toxic fumes that led to hospitalization for several family members, including a six-month-old infant.
Destiny Jackson, 26, recounted their harrowing journey home from her child's basketball game, only to stumble into a volatile scene in North Minneapolis where a federal officer had shot a man in the leg. Initially thinking the situation was calm, the family stopped to assess the scene, attempting to coax Destiny's mother away from the growing crowd.
As the tension escalated, Jackson could hear flash-bang grenades, and a smoky scent filled the air. After federal officers ordered them to leave, they hesitated, hoping for a safe escape. However, before they could drive away, a tear gas canister was thrust under their vehicle, triggering chaos inside. Jackson described how her children screamed in panic, unable to breathe, while her infant son showed signs of distress.
Emergency responders raced to the scene amidst the surrounding protesters to assist, noting reports of an infant suffering from respiratory distress. The child, along with three other family members, was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Thankfully, he was stabilized though still in serious condition.
According to Tricia McLaughlin, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the officers did not specifically target the Jackson family during their response to what they deemed 'rioters and agitators.' Jackson has since shared her experience online, facing both fear and backlash from threatening messages.
“I was just trying to get her to go home,” Destiny recalled. Despite the adversity and negativity she's received, she focuses on her family's safety and their intentions during the incident, emphasizing, I was on my way home.
