In federal Lake Street operation, ICE agents Norse patch sparks questions over ideology

An ICE agent's patch featuring a Viking skull and Vegvisir symbol during a federal operation in St. Paul has raised alarms about possible extremist connections. Critics, including bystander Brandon Schorsch, have suggested the patch may indicate affiliations with white supremacist groups that utilize Norse imagery. Experts like Mathias Nordvig from the University of Colorado-Boulder emphasize that while such symbols can be appropriated by hate groups, they may also reflect personal heritage. The Star Tribune has sought clarification from ICE on the patch's meaning but received no response.

This incident follows another recent controversy involving an ICE agent's tattoo associated with Norse symbolism in Martha's Vineyard. Natalie M. Van Deusen, a professor of Scandinavian culture, noted that the Vegvisir is meant to provide guidance and is not inherently linked to any ideology. Such symbols have historically been exploited by white supremacist groups in the U. S.

, prompting concerns about their use in federal agencies. Experts caution that without further context, drawing definitive conclusions about the patch's implications remains challenging.