Anti-ICE Protests in Minneapolis Result in Arrests

On Saturday, at least 42 demonstrators protesting against ICE were taken into custody outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. This occurred shortly after a memorial service for Renee Good and Alex Preti, both residents of the city who were shot by federal agents last month.

Videos from the scene depicted activists yelling insults at officers from the State Patrol, ripping down police tape, and throwing objects at law enforcement. Reports from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the number of arrests, highlighting that tensions were high during the event.

One protester was heard asserting through a megaphone that the gathering was “peaceful,” while others chanted, “No justice, no peace.” Many participants wore gas masks, contributing to the overall chaotic atmosphere.

The disruption came just a month following Good’s passing, coinciding with a memorial held at Powderhorn Park, which is only a short drive from where the protests erupted.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey took to social media to describe the gathering as a display of love, noting that “thousands of people” came together to honor Good and Preti. He made no mention of the ensuing violence or the arrests that took place afterward.

Frey’s remarks stood in contrast to the situation, as protests against ICE had gained traction in the city since the deaths of Good and Preti, both of whom were involved in disputes with immigration officials at the time of their incidents.

As sentiments about these events continued to intensify, both Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Frey charged that the federal administration was undermining citizens’ constitutional rights by targeting minority populations and executing warrantless searches. They have publicly called for ICE’s departure from states that lean Democratic.

In response to the growing unrest, Tom Homan, the White House “border czar,” announced the withdrawal of 700 federal personnel from Minneapolis.