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Chef Sean Sherman's employee detained by federal agents, flown to Texas

Feb 3, 2026·Location: Twin Cities, MN

Country of origin: Mexico

Chef Sean Sherman's employee detained by federal agents, flown to Texas
Photo via Instagram

Federal immigration agents detained an employee at NATIFS, an Indigenous-focused nonprofit restaurant in Minneapolis owned by chef Sean Sherman, outside the restaurant on February 2, 2026. Agents blocked a vehicle carrying staff members, pulled the employee from the car at gunpoint, and stated they were checking paperwork. The employee was transferred to Texas overnight without access to needed medication and without the family being notified in advance. Chef Sherman stated the employee had legal documentation and characterized the armed enforcement as inappropriate.

Timeline

Feb 3, 2026—Employee was flown to Texas overnight; family unable to provide medication before transfer
Feb 2, 2026—Federal immigration agents detained employee at NATIFS restaurant in Minneapolis, removed him from vehicle at gunpoint, and stated they were checking his paperwork
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