Thousands March and Dozens Arrested in Minneapolis Protests Against ICE
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Minneapolis on Saturday night, continuing protests following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent.
Key Facts from the Protests Against ICE
– Casualties and Arrests: City officials reported that 30 individuals were arrested over the weekend, and one police officer sustained minor injuries after being hit by a chunk of ice.
– Cause of Protests: These protests were spurred by the death of Good, a 37-year-old woman shot in her car on Wednesday, igniting widespread demonstrations against immigration enforcement across the nation.
– Self-Defense Claims: The Trump administration asserted that the agent involved acted in self-defense, while local officials maintained that Good posed no threat.
– Attendance Estimates: Minneapolis police estimated that tens of thousands participated in the ICE out of Minnesota rally, which commenced in Powderhorn Park despite bitterly cold temperatures.
– Peaceful Protest with Incidents: Mayor Jacob Frey characterized the protest as peaceful, although tensions escalated during a gathering on Friday outside a hotel believed to be housing ICE agents, prompting police to declare it an unlawful assembly.
Significant Developments During the Protests
– Protest Behavior: While many protesters organized peacefully, some engaged in aggressive tactics, including forcing entry into the hotel. Videos showed demonstrators using bright lights and banging drums, and some were reported to have thrown ice, snow, and rocks.
– Damage Reports: Another hotel was targeted, resulting in broken windows and graffiti. Mayor Frey praised the majority of protesters while warning that property damage and harm to others would lead to arrests.
Political Tensions Surrounding ICE Protests
– Local Frustrations: Many Minnesotans have expressed dissatisfaction with ICE’s presence, leading to a surge in calls to law enforcement regarding the agency’s activities.
– Divided Reactions: The shooting incident has underscored deep political divisions, with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem labeling Good’s actions as domestic terrorism, a claim contested by Mayor Frey.
Congressional Response to ICE Operations
– Attempt to Investigate: On Saturday, three Minnesota Congresswomen—Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig—sought to tour an ICE facility but were denied entry. They accused ICE and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of obstructing their oversight duties.
– New Entry Policies: A DHS policy issued on January 8, following Good’s death, mandates that Congress members give seven days’ notice for visits to ICE facilities, raising concerns about transparency.
Continued Investigation into the Shooting
– Immediate Aftermath: Good was shot as ICE agents attempted to apprehend her car. Footage from the scene shows agents ordering her out while one officer brandished a firearm, leading to the tragic event. Good’s spouse noted they were present to support neighbors engaged with immigration enforcement.
– Ongoing Inquiry: The FBI is currently investigating the situation, with Minnesota officials expressing concerns about being excluded from the federal investigation.
The protests against ICE in Minneapolis highlight the urgent call for accountability and transparency regarding immigration enforcement. As demonstrations continue to unfold nationwide, the community remains focused on justice for Renee Nicole Good and the broader implications of ICE’s operations.