Tensions Rise in Minneapolis After Immigration Raids and Military Warning
Minneapolis has entered another period of unrest as protests flared for a second night following renewed violence involving federal immigration officers. The demonstrations have drawn national attention after President Donald Trump suggested he could authorize the deployment of U.S. troops under a rarely used federal law.
Protesters gathered outside a federal government building, where clashes erupted between demonstrators and heavily equipped federal officers. Law enforcement used tear gas and crowd-dispersal tactics after protesters blocked driveways and confronted officers. Witnesses reported a heavy police presence and multiple detentions as tensions escalated late into the night.
The latest protests stem from a shooting that occurred during an immigration arrest earlier this week. A Venezuelan man was injured after being shot by a federal officer. Authorities allege he resisted arrest and attacked the agent, while two others attempted to intervene. All were detained, according to federal officials.
Public outrage has been growing since the fatal shooting of Renee Good earlier this month. The 37-year-old woman was killed during an encounter with an immigration agent, sparking demands for accountability. Her family’s legal team has called for the preservation of all evidence, including video footage and internal communications, as they prepare for a possible lawsuit.
Legal Concerns Mount Over Use of Federal Force
President Trump’s suggestion that he could invoke the Insurrection Act has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts and civil rights groups. The law, rarely used in modern times, allows the president to deploy military forces within the United States during extreme civil unrest.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota warned that such action could inflame tensions and undermine constitutional protections. The organization has also filed legal action against federal authorities, alleging violations of civil rights during recent immigration enforcement efforts.
The unrest has had ripple effects across the Twin Cities. In St. Paul, reports of federal agents stopping vehicles transporting students and school staff have alarmed families and educators. School officials responded by offering remote learning options for those who feel unsafe attending in person.
As protests continue, community leaders and state officials are urging restraint, emphasizing dialogue and de-escalation amid fears that increased force could lead to further violence.
