Social media users have recently circulated a story claiming that a man named Juan Carlos was brutally beaten by ICE agents near Hope Academy in Minnesota over an $80 ticket.
The story has sparked outrage online, accompanied by a GoFundMe campaign seeking financial support for Juan Carlos.
However, multiple sources are raising serious doubts about the authenticity of the claims.
Jasmine K. Boyd, a commentator on social media, described the viral video as “fake news.”
She pointed out that the ticket in question actually dates back to 2025 and that there is no verifiable news coverage of the alleged assault.
“If a man had truly been brutally beaten outside an elementary school, it would have made headlines worldwide,” Boyd stated.
She noted that local reporters and news outlets in Minnesota have not confirmed any incident involving ICE and Juan Carlos outside Hope Academy.
Despite this, a GoFundMe account tied to the story has reportedly raised over $40,000.
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The GoFundMe campaign, shared by Ismael Cordova-Clough, claims to provide support for Juan Carlos, a U.S. resident currently experiencing homelessness.
The fundraiser states that Juan Carlos was allegedly assaulted while observing ICE activity in Minneapolis on January 9, 2026, around noon.
According to the post, he was transported to a hospital for breathing difficulties and left in shackles for two hours.
The campaign lists several goals for the funds, including paying the $80 ticket, retrieving his car from impound, covering hotel and short-term rental costs, and supporting recovery-related needs.
Critics, however, highlight the lack of independent verification. No local media, journalists, or law enforcement agencies have reported an assault matching the story.
Experts say that if such an incident had occurred in front of an elementary school in Minnesota—a state known for critical coverage of ICE actions—it would have triggered widespread media coverage.
Social media users continue to share screenshots and videos related to Juan Carlos, but fact-checkers urge caution.
“Stories like this can spread quickly, but it’s essential to confirm facts before donating or sharing content,” Boyd emphasized.
At this time, the alleged assault remains unverified, and authorities have not commented on the incident.
