U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Wilson Tindi, a Kenyan national with a prior felony sex offense, in Plymouth, Minnesota. Over ten years ago, Tindi pleaded guilty to breaking into a woman’s home in the Twin Cities area and sexually assaulting her. He served 18 months in ICE custody, but his deportation was halted when a judge blocked his removal, citing legal complexities. As a result, Tindi was released and allowed to remain in the U.S., despite his conviction.
Following his release, Tindi secured employment with two Minnesota state agencies, including a director-level role where he audited taxpayer spending and monitored government accountability. His tenure with the state coincided with continued legal delays in his deportation. In 2018, another immigration judge ordered Tindi’s release, and he has since claimed lawful permanent residency status. His work for the state has raised questions about how someone with a serious criminal record managed to gain such employment and remain in the U.S. for so long.
According to Sam Olson, ICE’s field office director in St. Paul, agents conducted a thorough review of Tindi’s background before proceeding with the arrest. Olson said the arrest was carried out peacefully outside Tindi’s garage. He emphasized that field operations are becoming increasingly difficult due to public interference and rising assaults on ICE officers. “We are prepared to arrest and prosecute anyone who obstructs our operations,” Olson stated firmly.
Tindi’s case has drawn additional attention due to ongoing controversies in Minnesota under Democratic Governor Tim Walz. Just last month, the FBI conducted raids at several locations tied to alleged Medicaid fraud involving housing services for vulnerable populations. These investigations have raised broader concerns about oversight and accountability in state programs that serve at-risk residents.
In response to these developments, Governor Walz has promised stronger safeguards, including increased cooperation with federal authorities to prosecute offenders and prevent abuse in state-funded services. Critics argue that the state has been too lenient in its handling of cases involving fraud, abuse, or past criminal behavior among public employees or contractors.
Adding to public concern, a letter recently resurfaced from the Minnesota Catholic Conference, which had requested additional funding for school security—two years before a deadly shooting near Minneapolis. As Tindi’s arrest renews scrutiny of Minnesota’s public safety policies, many are calling for deeper reviews of hiring practices and immigration enforcement within the state.
