In a deeply troubling account from Minneapolis, a family has come forward with allegations that tear gas, reportedly deployed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, engulfed their vehicle while six children were inside. This incident, which transpired amidst a tense clash between protestors and ICE, led to severe distress, with the youngest child, a 6-month-old infant, requiring life-saving resuscitation efforts from his mother and subsequent hospitalization. The family's harrowing experience underscores the escalating tensions and potential dangers faced by innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of public demonstrations and law enforcement actions.

The events unfolded on the evening of January 14, when Shawn and Destiny Jackson were returning home with their children from a basketball game. Unbeknownst to them, their route inadvertently led them into an area where a protest against ICE operations was underway. Earlier that day, an incident involving an ICE officer shooting a man in the leg had already heightened animosity between local residents and federal agents, setting a volatile stage for the ensuing confrontation. As the Jacksons attempted to navigate away from the escalating situation, their vehicle became inadvertently trapped.

According to the parents, ICE agents reportedly surrounded their SUV, instructing them to leave, a directive the family was already trying to follow. However, the situation quickly deteriorated. Ms. Jackson recounted to news outlets that agents began to block the street, and fear gripped them, reminiscent of a prior tragic incident involving Renee Good. It was then that crowd-control devices, including tear gas canisters, were deployed. A concussive blast from what the Jacksons believe was a tear gas canister detonated beneath their vehicle, triggering airbags, flipping a child's car seat, and automatically locking the doors. The car rapidly filled with tear gas, trapping the terrified family inside.

Mr. Jackson vividly described the sensation of their lungs burning, noting that two of his children suffer from severe asthma. The immediate effects of the tear gas were overwhelming, with water offering no relief. In a desperate attempt to escape, Mr. Jackson kicked open his door, and he and his wife began pulling their children from the vehicle. Bystanders rushed to assist, bringing the children into nearby homes. The most critical moment came when their 6-month-old baby, freed from his car seat, was found unresponsive with foam around his mouth. Ms. Jackson, with guidance from EMS over the phone, courageously performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR, her every breath a desperate plea for her child's life.

While the infant fought for breath, other residents poured milk on the remaining children to counteract the tear gas. Ultimately, the Jackson couple and three of their children, including the infant, were transported to the hospital for medical attention. Social media footage and a GoFundMe campaign have since emerged, showcasing the damage to their vehicle and seeking support for the family as they cope with the trauma and practical challenges, such as acquiring a new car. As of now, the Department of Homeland Security has not issued a public statement regarding the Jackson family's harrowing account, leaving many questions unanswered about the incident.

This distressing incident in Minneapolis highlights the potential for unintended casualties when law enforcement employs crowd control measures in unpredictable environments. The Jackson family's ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the human cost that can arise from heightened tensions and clashes between authorities and protestors. The severe impact on their children, particularly the infant requiring CPR, underscores the profound and lasting trauma that such events can inflict on innocent individuals caught in the chaos.