Minnesota Roofing Company Loses Most of Its Crew After ICE Arrests

Federal immigration agents detained multiple workers during a targeted enforcement operation in Bemidji, leaving Rhino Roofing with a fraction of its workforce

Vista North in Bemidji, Minn. — Google Maps

Federal immigration agents carried out a targeted enforcement operation in Bemidji, Minn., in June, detaining multiple individuals at several locations across the city, including a housing development where roofing crews were working.

The operation, conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), prompted concern among residents who said they never expected to witness federal immigration arrests in their neighborhood. Reports of enforcement activity surfaced on June 11 and June 12, with agents making arrests at Vista North, during traffic stops, and at other residential locations.

Ryan Lamusga, owner of Rhino Roofing and Siding, said many members of his roofing crew were taken into custody while working at a Vista North property.

"It was chaotic," Lamusga said, describing agents moving through the neighborhood and surrounding work sites. He estimated that his workforce dropped from roughly 30 workers to seven following the arrests.

According to Lamusga, some workers attempted to evade agents by fleeing from nearby homes and work areas. He said several crew members remain unaccounted for, and he has struggled to determine where detainees are being held.

Residents of the Vista North development also reported witnessing arrests and expressed concern about how some individuals were treated during the operation. Jerry Hemstad, president of the Vista North Town Home Association, said several residents described encounters they found troubling, although he did not personally witness the incidents.

Local officials emphasized that neither the City of Bemidji nor local law enforcement participated in the arrests. Mayor Jorge Prince confirmed the operation occurred at Vista North and said city staff were not involved. The city stated it received notice of the federal action only minutes before it began.

Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs said county officials were informed days earlier that ICE agents would be operating in the area, but local deputies did not assist with arrests.

State Rep. Bidal Duran, whose district includes Bemidji, said ICE officials told him the action was a targeted operation focused on individuals with prior removal orders or other immigration violations. Duran said federal officials indicated the people they were seeking had been taken into custody and that no additional enforcement operations are currently planned in the Bemidji area.

Authorities have not released the total number of individuals detained.

In the aftermath of the operation, community groups have begun organizing resources and fundraising efforts to assist affected families and detainees. Meanwhile, employers and relatives continue seeking information about where those arrested are being held and what legal options may be available.

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John Wyatt is editor of Walls & Ceilings magazine, bringing more than two decades of experience with BNP Media. He joined the company in 2000 as an associate editor, contributing to both Walls & Ceilings and Roofing Contractor before assuming the role of editor in 2008. In addition to his work with the brand, Wyatt collaborates across BNP’s architecture, engineering and construction (A/E/C) portfolio, supporting related publications and initiatives. He can be reached at 248-205-6659 or wyattj@bnpmedia.com.