Demonstrators are detained at a protest against the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, during a rally against increased immigration enforcement across the city outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., January 8, 2026. REUTERS/Tim Evans
(Minneapolis, Minnesota) – Federal authorities have begun arresting multiple protesters following a violent confrontation tied to ongoing immigration enforcement operations in Minneapolis, escalating fears that rhetoric from Democratic leaders is fueling unrest on the streets.
According to law-enforcement sources, several individuals described as left-wing agitators were taken into custody after clashes near an active federal operation. Officials say the arrests stem from interference with federal agents and disorderly conduct as tensions flared in the aftermath of a fatal ICE-involved shooting earlier this week. Authorities have not released a full arrest tally, citing an ongoing investigation.
The crackdown comes amid sharply escalating rhetoric from local and state officials. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly told federal agents to leave the city, while Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has blasted ICE operations and demanded changes to enforcement. Critics argue those statements have been interpreted by some protesters as a green light to confront federal officers directly.
Federal officials pushed back, warning that obstructing or attacking agents is a felony regardless of political disagreement. They say arrests will continue for anyone who attempts to block operations or incite violence, emphasizing that immigration enforcement remains a federal responsibility.
