Isabel Lopez, a 27-year-old resident of St. Paul, Minnesota, faces charges for assaulting law enforcement officers during the execution of federal search warrants on June 3, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced that Lopez has been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees.
The incident occurred when law enforcement officers from various federal agencies were executing search warrants at eight locations in the Twin Cities as part of an investigation into narcotics trafficking and related offenses. This investigation was initiated following the seizure of 900 pounds of methamphetamine.
One location targeted was Cuatro Milpas restaurant on Lake Street in Minneapolis. A crowd gathered under the mistaken belief that immigration arrests were taking place. Law enforcement clarified that their presence was to collect evidence under a federal search warrant authorized by a judge.
Lopez reportedly assaulted several agents and officers by punching, kicking, and shoving them during the operation. As law enforcement attempted to leave the scene, she threw a softball at a deputy from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
On June 9, Lopez was charged with Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding Officers under 18 U.S.C. § 111(a)(1). When agents attempted her arrest, she allegedly punched an FBI agent in the head.
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Lopez on June 10. She is charged with three counts related to assaults during the June 3rd operation and one count for obstructing law enforcement during civil disorder under 18 U.S.C. § 231(a)(3).
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson stated: “As laid out in the complaint, federal agents were executing federal search warrants signed by a federal judge… The defendant physically attacked law enforcement agents… Let me make clear: it is against the law to assault or obstruct federal law enforcement agents.”
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis said: “Assaulting a law enforcement officer engaged in their lawful duties… is not protected under the First Amendment — it is a criminal offense.”
ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Jamie Holt added: “Our agents were lawfully performing their duties when they were surrounded and obstructed… Interfering with federal law enforcement is a crime.”
ATF Special Agent Travis Riddle emphasized: “Respect for the rule of law is the foundation of our justice system… interference will not be tolerated.”
IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Ramsey E. Covington remarked: “Assaulting a federal agent is not only a criminal act–it is an attack on an individual… Acts of violence against federal agents will not be tolerated.”
Lopez appeared before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty today and remains detained pending further proceedings.
This case results from investigations conducted by multiple agencies including FBI, HSI, DEA, IRS-CI, ATF, USMS, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
It should be noted that charges are allegations; Lopez is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
