Daijiworld Media Network - Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Jan 19: Tensions are escalating in Minnesota with reports of nearly 1,500 troops on standby as protests continue against former US President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration crackdown. While federal officials insist the operations target the “worst of the worst”, critics allege that migrants without criminal records and even US citizens are being detained.
In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul, residents have begun informally monitoring the movements of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. One such resident, who identified herself as “Sunshine” to protect her identity, said fear and uncertainty have gripped neighbourhoods amid increased ICE activity. She claimed residents legally observe and record ICE operations to ensure accountability, even as unmarked vehicles patrol local streets.
The standoff has turned Minneapolis into what many describe as a battle of wills between a Republican leader pushing federal authority and a Democratic-led city and state resisting the measures. Protests outside the federal building housing ICE agents have intensified, with sporadic clashes prompting the use of tear gas and pepper balls by authorities.
Amid the unrest, a US federal judge issued an order restricting ICE’s crowd-control tactics. Judge Katherine Menendez ruled that federal agents cannot arrest or use pepper spray against peaceful demonstrators, including those observing ICE actions.
The situation worsened following the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Minneapolis resident Renée Good by an ICE agent on January 7. While the Trump administration claimed the agent acted in self-defence, local officials disputed the account, saying the woman posed no threat. The FBI is investigating the incident, though Minnesota officials allege they have been denied access to evidence.
Another shooting involving a federal officer occurred the following week, with the Department of Homeland Security stating an officer shot a man in the leg after being attacked with a shovel during an arrest attempt. The man’s family has contested the official version of events.
Minnesota is the fifth major city targeted in Trump’s immigration campaign, which has sparked fierce backlash in Democrat-led cities. The state is home to the largest Somali immigrant community in the US, most of whom are citizens. Trump has drawn criticism for remarks targeting the community and for launching the crackdown after fraud cases involving some Somali immigrants.
As protests grow, Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty military personnel. The Justice Department has also opened a criminal probe into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of obstructing federal immigration operations, a charge Walz has strongly denied.
With federal agents accused of racial profiling and residents vowing to continue their resistance, Minneapolis finds itself at the centre of a deepening political and social crisis, with no immediate signs of de-escalation.