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Intensive care staff at a major Minneapolis hospital are disputing claims made by federal immigration officers after a detained man was admitted with extensive head trauma that doctors and nurses say could not have resulted from an accidental impact.

The patient, a 31-year-old Mexican national later identified as Alberto Castañeda Mondragón, arrived at Hennepin County Medical Center with multiple facial fractures, internal bleeding, and widespread skull damage shortly after being taken into immigration custody. Medical workers familiar with the case say the injuries were immediately inconsistent with explanations provided by officers escorting him.

According to legal filings submitted on the man’s behalf, immigration agents initially told hospital staff that the detainee injured himself by running headfirst into a wall while restrained. ICU nurses rejected that explanation almost immediately after reviewing scans and assessing his neurological condition.

Several nurses described the injuries as severe, bilateral, and spread across multiple areas of the skull — a pattern they say does not align with a single impact. One nurse described the explanation given by officers as implausible based on basic trauma assessment.

Hospital staff members who spoke anonymously said the patient arrived confused, disoriented, and unable to explain what had happened. Imaging later revealed at least eight skull fractures along with hemorrhaging in several regions of the brain. His condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to heavy sedation and intensive monitoring.

Tensions Inside the Hospital

The case unfolded during a period of heightened immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota, part of a broader federal operation that has increased the presence of immigration officers inside medical facilities. Employees at Hennepin County Medical Center say the environment has grown increasingly strained as officers remain stationed at patients’ bedsides for extended periods.

In this case, tensions escalated after agents attempted to shackle the patient to his hospital bed. Medical staff objected, citing hospital policy that restricts restraints unless clinically necessary. A confrontation followed, drawing in hospital security and senior administrators.

Staff members said the patient’s attempts to stand and move were typical of someone suffering from a traumatic brain injury, not an escape attempt. After negotiations, officers later agreed to remove the restraints in exchange for constant supervision by hospital personnel.

Hospital workers also described broader concerns, including armed agents lingering in hallways, questioning individuals about citizenship, and creating an atmosphere of intimidation inside critical care units. Some employees said they altered daily routines to avoid encounters and relied on encrypted messaging to share concerns with colleagues.

Hospital leadership later issued updated guidance reminding staff that federal agents cannot access patients or medical records without proper legal authorization. The guidance also reaffirmed that individuals under federal custody remain patients first and must be treated under standard medical protocols.