Escalating Tensions in Minnesota Over Immigration Enforcement Operations

Tue Jan 13 2026 12:14:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Demonstrations sparked by a controversial immigration arrest escalate in Minnesota, leading to intensified confrontations with federal agents and legal actions from state leaders.

Protests erupted across Minnesota following the fatal shooting of a local woman by an immigration officer. Tensions heightened as federal agents deployed tear gas against activists demonstrating against a significant immigration enforcement surge. In response, state officials filed a lawsuit, claiming federal actions infringe on constitutional rights, labeling the situation a 'federal invasion.' Homeland Security defends its actions, emphasizing public safety while facing backlash from state leaders and communities.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Days of demonstrations against immigration agents left Minnesota tense on Tuesday, a day after federal authorities used tear gas to break up crowds of whistle-blowing activists. The unrest was sparked by the fatal shooting of a Minneapolis woman by an immigration officer during a recent enforcement operation.

On Monday, protests erupted across multiple cities, culminating in clashes between protesters and federal agents. In Minneapolis, agents resorted to tear gas as a crowd gathered around immigration officers questioning a man, while in St. Cloud, hundreds protested outside Somali-run businesses targeted by the enforcement effort.

In response to the escalating situation and what they describe as a federal invasion, Minnesota state, and local leaders filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The suit accuses Homeland Security of violating constitutional rights, including the First Amendment, by focusing its enforcement efforts on a progressive state that typically welcomes immigrants.

This is, in essence, a federal invasion of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and it must stop, state Attorney General Keith Ellison declared at a press conference.

With more than 2,000 immigration officers deployed to Minnesota, authorities assert that over 2,000 arrests have already been made in the state since December. Many locals have organized protests, vigils, and community actions to honor the victim while condemning federal tactics.

Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin criticized the state's response, emphasizing the federal responsibility to protect the public and enforce the law irrespective of local opinions. The department’s stance on the incident involving Renee Good, the woman shot by an ICE officer, remains controversial.

Additional lawsuits challenging similar enforcement operations have emerged in other states, with officials arguing that aggressive tactics create a climate of fear among residents. Meanwhile, federal agents continue to face scrutiny as they defend their actions amidst calls for accountability.