Autistic Woman Sues ICE After Agents Allegedly Mocked Her Disabilities During Violent Arrest Caught on Camera
A Minneapolis woman with autism is suing the federal government after alleging that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents mocked her disabilities, violently dragged her from her car and ignored her requests for medical assistance during a January arrest captured on video.
Aliya Rahman, a Bangladeshi-American and U.S. citizen, filed the lawsuit on November 10, 2026, accusing federal agents of excessive force, assault, false arrest and imprisonment, and negligence.
The case stems from an encounter on January 13, when Rahman was driving to a medical appointment in south Minneapolis and came across a federal immigration enforcement blockade near Park Avenue and East 34th Street.
The street had been closed by federal agents conducting an immigration operation. Rahman said she became confused when officers gave her conflicting instructions about whether to move her vehicle or get out.
Video of the confrontation shows masked agents surrounding her car. One officer smashed a passenger-side window while others cut her seat belt and pulled her from the vehicle.
Rahman repeatedly told the officers that she was disabled and trying to reach her doctor.
“I’m disabled, trying to go to the doctor up there,” she said as officers removed her from the car.
Four agents then carried her by her arms and legs toward an unmarked vehicle before transporting her to the Whipple Federal Building.
Agents allegedly mocked her disabilities
According to the lawsuit, Rahman repeatedly informed officers that she was autistic and had a traumatic brain injury. She requested accommodations and medical attention, but alleges that her needs were ignored.
Her attorneys say agents also mocked her disabilities while she was being detained.
Rahman sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2024, and the lawsuit describes how the stress and physical treatment during the arrest worsened her condition.
While held inside a detention cell, she reportedly experienced severe head pain, blurred vision and slurred speech.
She eventually lost consciousness on the cell floor.
The lawsuit alleges that another detainee alerted officers that Rahman was unresponsive, but staff waited approximately 30 minutes before calling 911.
She was eventually transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Rahman was never criminally charged in connection with the January incident.
Viral footage sparks national attention
Footage of Rahman’s arrest spread widely online, drawing criticism over the force used by federal agents against a woman who repeatedly said she was disabled.
ICE had previously accused her of impeding or interfering with federal officers, claiming she failed to move her vehicle when instructed.
The Department of Homeland Security has disputed allegations that Rahman was denied medical care. The agency previously described her as an agitator who ignored officers’ commands.
Rahman’s attorneys, however, argue that she was caught in a confusing situation and was not given appropriate consideration for her disabilities.
The federal agents involved in the arrest have not been publicly identified.
Lawsuit seeks accountability from federal government
Rahman’s legal team says the lawsuit seeks to hold the government accountable for the treatment she experienced during the arrest and subsequent detention.
The complaint alleges assault, battery, false imprisonment and negligence, among other claims. It also raises concerns about the failure to accommodate her disabilities and the alleged delay in obtaining medical assistance.
Speaking publicly on November 10, Rahman said the incident continues to affect her life and that she is still dealing with lasting injuries.
She also said she hopes her case will help other people who experienced mistreatment during federal immigration enforcement operations.
Her attorneys say they want the lawsuit to shed light not only on the actions of individual officers but also on the policies and practices that allowed the incident to happen.
The federal government has not yet filed its response to the lawsuit. The allegations remain claims in an ongoing legal case, rather than findings established by a court.
