In Maple Grove, Minnesota, State Patrol officers deployed a long-range acoustic device (LRAD) during an anti-ICE protest on Monday night. Approximately 200 demonstrators gathered outside the SpringHill Suites hotel, where they believed federal immigration agents were staying amid enforcement operations. The LRAD, a tool originally designed for military applications, was used to issue clear vocal commands to the protesters after repeated dispersal orders were not heeded.
The deployment of the LRAD came as a measure to maintain control of the situation, which was part of statewide unrest following the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis during an altercation with federal immigration agents. The protests have been tied to the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge, a controversial initiative focused on the removal of criminal illegal aliens from Minnesota.
Authorities declared the gathering unlawful as demonstrators obstructed traffic, inflicted property damage, and hurled objects at the officers, escalating the tensions near the hotel. The confrontation concluded with the arrest of 26 individuals on charges related to unlawful assembly and riotous behavior. Officials stated that there were no serious injuries reported at the scene.
The LRAD system is capable of projecting sound waves over long distances, and while it can be set to emit deterrent tones, officials confirmed that it was utilized only in voice mode during the incident. This decision was made despite online rumors alleging the use of a sonic weapon against the protesters.
Defense analyst Mark Cancian explained that the LRAD, when used within its sound cone, can have a commanding presence, likened to a "voice of God" effect. Medical and defense experts caution that even without deterrent tones, prolonged exposure to the device's voice commands at high volumes can result in adverse health effects such as permanent hearing loss, nausea, and disorientation.
Footage from the protest shows troopers encircling the hotel as amplified commands resounded through the area, with officers attempting to disperse the crowd non-violently, avoiding the use of tear gas or rubber bullets. State Patrol officials emphasized that the LRAD was deployed strictly for public safety, to prevent further violence, and to protect officers, civilians, and surrounding businesses.
In response to the incident, social media users, including The Rational Raven on Twitter, expressed concern over the LRAD's capabilities, describing the device's potential to cause extreme discomfort. State officials, however, maintained that the LRAD is a commercially available, non-lethal option that is employed across the country for crowd management and communication during various public safety incidents.
The use of the LRAD in Maple Grove marks a moment of contention between law enforcement and civil rights advocates, particularly regarding the methods used to manage protests and civil unrest. The incident reflects ongoing national debates over immigration policy and law enforcement tactics, as communities across the United States continue to grapple with these complex issues.
