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Who is Rob Potylo? Viral video shows ‘Robby Roadsteamer’ in giraffe suit detained by ICE at Minnesota protest

Rob Potylo, aka Robby Roadsteamer, was detained by ICE in Minnesota during anti-ICE protests after videos showed him scuffling with agents.

Updated on: Jan 13, 2026, 03:34:38 IST
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Rob Potylo, a Boston-based performer frequently seen in anti-immigration raids protests, has been arrested. Potylo, who is popularly known as Robby Roadsteamer, said via his X page that he was detained by the ICE.

Rob Potylo, aka Robby Roadsteamer. (X/@RobbyRoadsteamer)
Rob Potylo, aka Robby Roadsteamer. (X/@RobbyRoadsteamer)

Robby Roadsteamer, who is frequently seen attending various protests in a giraffe costume, has been captured in videos scuffling with ICE agents in Minnesota. Massive protests are ongoing in the state in the aftermath of the death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross.

The X account on Robby Roadsteamer shared a video where ICE agents could be seen being grounded by the ICE agents before being taken away. "Robby Roadsteamer has been arrested by ICE in Minnesota today," the caption to the post read.

Potylo, a Boston-based musical comedian, performer and artist best known for his persona Robby Roadsteamer. He blends comedy, music and protest antics and frequently performs in protests across the country.

He has created albums and comedy work, starred in the web series ‘Quiet Desperation’, appeared on radio and TV.

Massive ICE Raids In Minnesota

Minnesota has been the center of massive confrontations between the ICE and Border Patrol agents over the last few weeks. It has escalated significantly after the death of Renee Nicole Good, with thousands hitting the streets to protest the ICE actions.

Also read: Did Renee Nicole Good lose custody of her children after Minneapolis shooting? What we know

Meanwhile, in response to the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security has mobilized hundreds more federal agents in the Minnesota. As of now, more than 2500 federal agents are in the streets of various cities in Minnesota.

On Sunday, ICE and Border Patrol raids were reported in the city of St. Paul in Minnesota. According to the local activist network, the ICE was going door-to-door in St. Paul as they hunt down what they describe as illegal Somali immigrants. Amid the operation, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino was spotted at a Target in St. Paul, where he faced protests from some shopper-activists.

  • Shamik Banerjee
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shamik Banerjee

    Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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