A federal law enforcement operation at a St. Paul manufacturer prompted a large response by observers and protesters on Tuesday morning.

Federal agents wearing clothing marked “FBI,” “DEA” and “HSI” — Homeland Security Investigations, part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement — were seen at Bro-Tex Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of cloth and paper wipes. It was not immediately clear what prompted the operation.

An ICE spokesperson confirmed the agency was part of the operation.

“Today in St. Paul, ICE HSI and law enforcement partners conducted court authorized law enforcement activity and served a search warrant in furtherance of a federal criminal investigation. There is no threat to public safety, and the investigation remains ongoing at this time,” the spokesperson said.

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