Minneapolis chaos: Progressive crowd throws items and pushes federal agents as anti-ICE violence increases

Increase in Attacks on Immigrants and Enforcement Officials

Since President Donald Trump’s return to office, there has been a staggering 413% rise in attacks against immigrants and customs enforcement officials, according to a Department of Homeland Security director speaking to Blaze News.

The growing “abolition of police” movement among anti-ICE and progressive groups, particularly in sanctuary jurisdictions, is becoming more aggressive as the new administration enhances its efforts to apprehend undocumented immigrants.

A recent confrontation in Minnesota highlights this unsettling national pattern.

In Minneapolis, there was heightened anti-ICE sentiment when locals mistakenly believed that federal agents were conducting an immigration enforcement raid, which escalated into violent protests.

The incident occurred around a Mexican restaurant near Bloomington Avenue and Lake Street.

When federal agents arrived, they were met with mobs of protesters determined to obstruct their actions. The situation quickly devolved into chaos, with disturbances affecting several blocks.

A video shared by independent journalist Nick Shirley shows police and masked protesters in heated exchanges, with objects being thrown at enforcement vehicles. Some demonstrators locked arms to block the agents, while others attempted to push back against the authorities.

Protesters even left messages on law enforcement vehicles, with phrases such as “Don’t come back” and “Bitch Nazi.”

Shirley remarked that this clash took place in the same area of Minneapolis where unrest erupted following George Floyd’s death in 2020.

After federal authorities withdrew and the crowd dispersed, officers on the scene informed Shirley that the operation was not solely an ICE engagement. They indicated that multiple federal agencies, including the DEA and FBI, were involved.

One police officer speculated that the incident could have links to drug trafficking and money laundering activities. Mayor Jacob Frey asserted that the operations were not related to immigration enforcement.

“We are still gathering information, but this was connected to a criminal search warrant targeting drugs and money laundering, with no ties to immigration enforcement. No arrests were made,” Frey stated. “The role of the Minneapolis Police Department was to manage crowd control and ensure community safety.”

The Minneapolis Police Department clarified that the operation involved a “federal criminal search warrant for drugs and money laundering,” stating, “no arrests were made by federal agents at the site.” They also emphasized that they had no involvement in immigration enforcement.

ICE confirmed its agents’ participation in the operation, noting that it was made possible due to significant cooperation from various federal and state partners, which included the FBI and DEA.

While ICE did not respond to inquiries about any arrests or potential charges against the protesters, Tom Homan, a former border chief, noted last week that attacks on ICE officials are still notably high.