A traffic stop, detention, leads to a public plea for help from former Rochester community leader

John Molseed, Post-Bulletin, Rochester, Minn.

Thu, January 15, 2026 at 6:21 PM UTC

2 min read

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Jan. 15—MINNEAPOLIS — The former managing director of Rochester Civic Theatre put out a frantic call for support from her Minnesota community late Wednesday after learning her daughter-in-law was in federal immigration custody and was reportedly to be transferred to Texas.

Misha Johnson's daughter-in-law, originally from Venezuela, was riding in a car with her husband Wednesday when the two were stopped by an unmarked car, Johnson said.

"They were terrified," Johnson said, adding that the recent fatal shooting by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent added anxiety to the situation.

"You don't want to make a scene because you are afraid for your life," she said.

Nonetheless, the couple remained outwardly calm, Johnson said. The two are married; the woman has been in the U.S. for more than 10 years; she has no criminal record; is employed full-time and is up to date with her citizenship application. She carries her paperwork and work permit with her at all times now. The couple didn't think she would be a target for removal.

Instead, federal agents removed her from the car and took her into custody. They left her husband alone in the car with unanswered questions. He texted and later called his mother.

"The agents were clearly profiling," Johnson said.

ICE has not yet responded to a request for comment on the detention.

Johnson made a social media post asking for suggestions for legal assistance. She said her son was told by immigration officials that his wife was being moved to El Paso, Texas. Johnson said she hopes to get ahead of the process and halt the removal proceedings.

"The few personal resources she has in Minnesota are all being removed," Johnson said. "I think that's why it's so important to make as much noise as we can before they take her to a state where she doesn't have a support system."

The support and empathy from Minnesota has been emotionally moving, she said.

For a moment, she was unsure whether to share the incident publicly, but hearing from people, especially in Rochester, has been comforting.

"I so miss the people there," she said.

She also decided it's important to share her personal story as increasingly aggressive federal immigration actions affect more people.

"We all can't be quiet about it," Johnson said.

The reality of what's happening in Minnesota is unbelievable to her, she added.

"It's unbelievable what's going on in this country, we're a melting pot, this is where people from all over the world come to be safe," she said. "This is completely unacceptable for our country."

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