Why Were 12 Arrested During Ongoing Protests in Minneapolis?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Twelve people arrested during protests in Minneapolis.
- Protests triggered by ICE-related incidents.
- Trump criticizes local leaders.
- DHS confirms over 2,500 arrests in Minnesota.
- Community concerned about law enforcement actions.
Los Angeles, Jan 17 (NationPress) Twelve individuals were taken into custody during protests regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Minneapolis, the largest city in the state of Minnesota, as reported by officials.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated on Friday via X that "12 anti-ICE protesters were detained for assaulting law enforcement officers."
Protests persisted into Friday, with crowds continuing to assemble outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, as reported by Xinhua news agency citing local media.
On Friday, US President Donald Trump again criticized Minnesota's Democratic leadership on Truth Social.
"The Governor and Mayor are clueless; they have completely lost control." he remarked. "If I am compelled to intervene, it will be resolved SWIFTLY and EFFECTIVELY!"
On Thursday, Trump warned he might invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, asserting that such a decision would "quickly end the chaos" occurring in the state.
The protests erupted following a series of events involving federal ICE agents in Minnesota.
On January 7, an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, sparking nationwide demonstrations. The Trump administration claimed Good was allegedly attempting to run over law enforcement officers with her car, while local authorities argued that video evidence indicated she posed no threat and that the agent acted recklessly.
On Wednesday, an ICE agent shot a Venezuelan immigrant in the leg after reportedly being "ambushed and attacked" by two others and the individual they were trying to apprehend, according to DHS.
Protests escalated following the second ICE-related shooting within a week. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that the situation in the city is "not sustainable."
DHS confirmed on X that ICE agents have conducted over 2,500 arrests in Minnesota in the past five weeks. Approximately 3,000 federal officers have reportedly been deployed to the area recently.