UPDATE: Federal agents launched urgent immigration raids in Minneapolis on Sunday, intensifying tensions in a city already shaken by the recent fatal shooting of resident Renee Good. This operation, described by the Department of Homeland Security as its largest enforcement initiative ever, saw agents forcefully enter homes while protesters clashed with law enforcement outside.
In a dramatic confrontation, agents rammed the door of a home and arrested a man inside, just minutes after using pepper spray on protesters attempting to disrupt the operation. The scene, captured on video, highlighted the escalating unrest in the neighborhood where Good was shot and killed by an immigration officer last week, fueling fears within the local immigrant community.
Since the start of December, authorities report over 2,000 immigration arrests across Minnesota as part of this aggressive enforcement campaign. Minneapolis Councilmember Jason Chavez, representing an area with a significant immigrant population, stated, “We’re seeing a lot of immigration enforcement across Minneapolis… they’ve definitely been out here.”
Residents have taken to the streets, armed with whistles and drums, to monitor federal agents’ movements. Amid freezing temperatures, individuals positioned themselves on street corners to alert their neighbors about potential raids. Over 20,000 residents have participated in training sessions to become “observers” of enforcement activities since the 2024 elections, according to Luis Argueta of Unidos MN, a local human rights organization.
In response to the heightened anxiety, Minneapolis public schools will transition to remote learning for the next month, starting Monday, to ensure student safety during these tumultuous times. Many schools had already closed following the shooting incident involving Good, prompting widespread concern among parents and educators.
The investigation into Good’s death remains contentious. Both Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and U.S. Senator Tina Smith have called for state authorities to be included, questioning the federal government’s ability to conduct an unbiased investigation. “How can we trust the federal government to do an objective, unbiased investigation?” Smith articulated in a recent interview.
The Trump administration has defended the officer involved in the shooting, asserting he acted in self-defense. Todd Lyons, acting director of ICE, stated on Fox News that the officer had mere milliseconds to react to protect himself and his team. He criticized local jurisdictions for not cooperating with immigration enforcement, suggesting their failure contributes to these operations becoming necessary.
As unrest continues, the killing of Good and the actions of federal agents in cities like Portland, Oregon, have sparked nationwide protests. Thousands gathered in Minneapolis over the weekend, marking a growing outcry against federal immigration policies and the violence associated with them.
Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely as the community grapples with the effects of these raids and the ongoing investigation into Good’s death. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepared as tensions persist in Minneapolis.
