MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – President Donald Trump appeared to indicate a readiness to de-escalate tensions in Minneapolis following a second deadly shooting involving federal immigration agents. However, Wednesday showed little evidence of substantial changes amid ongoing harsh rhetoric and clashes with protesters.
The tension became more pronounced when Trump announced a leadership change by appointing his top border adviser to oversee immigration enforcement in Minnesota. This was complemented by seemingly conciliatory remarks toward Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey after a phone conversation where Trump claimed they were "on a similar wavelength." He suggested that “lots of progress is being made” after speaking with the mayor.
Despite these remarks, the streets of Minneapolis showed no significant signs of change. Immigration enforcement operations persisted, with confrontations ongoing between activists and federal agents. In north Minneapolis, a group of protesters blew whistles and tracked federal officers in a vehicle, leading to tense encounters where officers threatened Associated Press journalists with arrest for identifying themselves as reporters.
The journalists observed instances of violence, including at least one person being pepper-sprayed and another arrested, though it remained unclear whether these individuals were linked to the enforcement operations. Attorney General Pam Bondi, visiting Minnesota, announced 16 arrests on charges related to impeding law enforcement, and she remarked that further arrests were likely. Bondi asserted, "NOTHING will stop President Trump and this Department of Justice from enforcing the law," via social media.
In Brooklyn Center, federal agents attempted to apprehend a man with a convective history of domestic abuse who had reportedly been deported twice. Residents rallied against the enforcement actions, with locals expressing disbelief about the agents' claims regarding those they arrest. Kari Rod, a community member, stated, "I don’t trust a single thing they said about who they are." Many in the immigrant community feel enduring fear and uncertainty, causing some Latino businesses to remain closed.
Daniel Hernandez, owner of Colonial Market, noted that while his store is operational, almost all other immigrant-run businesses in the area are shut, reflecting deep-seated fears within the community. He commented, "The reality is the community is still very worried and afraid." Additionally, despite the reassignment of Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, tactics used in enforcement have not significantly altered, leaving residents mistrustful of government changes.
Concerns regarding the enforcement of legal compliance were raised at Minnesota federal court, where Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz criticized ICE for violating 96 court orders in 74 cases within the month. He emphasized the importance of obeying the rule of law and indicated that future violations may require the presence of ICE's acting director in court. Separately, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against ICE, preventing the detention of resettled refugees amidst a lawsuit challenging a new Homeland Security operation.
A vigil in honor of Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse killed by immigration enforcement agents, drew hundreds of attendees. They gathered in solidarity, holding candles and flowers, as speakers expressed grief and solidarity with the community. Harmonie Pirius, a fellow nurse, articulated sentiments of shared vulnerability, stating, "It could have been any of us." U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar criticized the unfolding situation in Minnesota as a calculated effort to instill fear among minority communities, denouncing the administration's immigration policies as aimed at making these populations feel unwelcome.
Through the changing landscape of immigration enforcement and community response, the events in Minneapolis vividly illustrate the ongoing complexities and tensions surrounding immigration issues in America, highlighting fears, violations of legal standards, and the community’s resilience in the face of adversity.
