MINNEAPOLIS — Protests erupted in Minneapolis on Thursday over the deployment of federal agents in the city as part of ongoing immigration enforcement operations, local officials and organizers said.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in downtown areas and near federal buildings, voicing opposition to the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal officers. The protests followed reports of renewed enforcement activity amid broader national debates over immigration policy.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called for calm and urged residents to respect public order while acknowledging community concerns. Organizers described the demonstrations as a response to what they called excessive federal involvement in local matters.
Federal officials have maintained that the agents are conducting lawful operations targeting individuals with immigration violations. U.S. Border Czar Tom Homan previously defended such deployments as necessary for public safety, though specific details on the latest actions remained limited.
The gatherings came months after larger protests earlier in the year related to Operation Metro Surge, which involved thousands of federal agents and led to significant community tensions, including fatal incidents. Those events prompted investigations and legal challenges, with some restrictions placed on agent tactics.
"Communities deserve transparency and accountability in how enforcement is carried out," said a spokesperson for a local advocacy group during the Thursday protests. Officials from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's office reiterated calls for dialogue between federal and state authorities.
Police reported several arrests for minor offenses such as blocking streets, but no major injuries or widespread violence as of late Thursday. City officials deployed additional local law enforcement to monitor the situation and facilitate traffic flow.
The protests highlighted divisions over federal immigration strategies, with some residents supporting stricter enforcement and others calling for reduced federal presence. Counter-demonstrators were also present in smaller numbers.
As of Friday morning, demonstrations had largely dispersed, though organizers indicated plans for further peaceful actions. Federal authorities continued operations in the region, according to statements from the Department of Homeland Security. Local leaders said they were assessing any impacts on city services and infrastructure.
Further updates on the status of enforcement activities and any related investigations were expected in the coming days.
