Tensions Remain High in Minneapolis Despite Trump’s Signals of De-escalation in Immigration Enforcement
Despite signals from President Donald Trump suggesting a willingness to ease tensions in Minneapolis following a second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents,little evidence emerged on Wednesday,January 24,2026,of any considerable shift in policy. Weeks of harsh rhetoric and confrontations between federal authorities and protesters continue to define the situation,highlighting a deep strain that prompted a leadership change within the administration.
The escalating tensions were underscored by Trump’s decision to dispatch his top border advisor to Minnesota to oversee the ongoing immigration crackdown. This move was followed by what appeared to be conciliatory remarks regarding Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The President stated he and Governor Walz were on “a similar wavelength” after a phone conversation, and praised a discussion with Mayor Frey, declaring that “lots of progress is being made.”
However, on the ground in Minneapolis and St. Paul, the reality painted a different picture. Immigration enforcement operations and confrontations with activists continued unabated. A group of protesters actively monitored federal officers, using whistles to alert others to their presence. Requests for comment were directed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol, but no immediate response was received.
In Brooklyn Center, agents encountered resistance from residents as they sought a man with a history of deportation and domestic abuse. According to reports, the man had fled into his home, and agents lacked a judicial warrant for entry. A local resident, kari rod, intervened, telling the agents, “You need to know they’re good neighbors.” rod, while not intimately familiar with her neighbors, described them as contributing members of the community, challenging the agents’ narrative. “I don’t trust a single thing they said about who they are,” Rod stated. “From my interactions, I know them way better than anyone else does, any one of those federal agents.”
The impact of the increased enforcement is palpable within the immigrant community. Daniel Hernandez, owner of the Minneapolis grocery store Colonial Market, reported widespread fear among immigrant families, with many hesitant to leave their homes.He noted that all but one of the dozen immigrant-run businesses that rented space inside his market have closed since late December, and none have plans to reopen. “The reality is the community is still very worried and afraid,” Hernandez said. He also referenced the reassignment of Border Patrol commander Gregory bovino, who previously led the crackdown in the Twin Cities, noting that “the tactics so far are still the same,” and that trust in the government remains eroded.
Concerns about due process were also raised in federal court. Chief Judge Patrick schiltz revealed that ICE had violated 96 court orders in 74 cases this month, stating, “This list shoudl give pause to anyone – no matter his or her political beliefs – who cares about the rule of law.” Judge Schiltz had previously ordered ICE’s acting director to appear in court regarding the detention of an Ecuadorian man in Texas,but rescinded the order after the man was released. He warned of future consequences for noncompliance, potentially including mandatory appearances by ICE leadership. Separately, a temporary restraining order was granted preventing federal officers from arresting and detaining resettled refugees in Minnesota, responding to a lawsuit challenging a new homeland Security operation. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller dismissed the ruling as “the judicial sabotage of democracy.”
The situation is further elaborate by the recent death of Alex Pretti, an intensive care unit nurse killed by immigration agents on Saturday.Hundreds gathered Wednesday night for a vigil honoring Pretti, with many expressing grief and outrage. “It could have been any of us,” said Harmonie Pirius, a registered nurse. U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar,a Democrat,condemned the administration’s actions,stating,”What is unfolding in our state is not accidental. It is indeed part of a coordinated effort to target Black and brown,immigrant and Muslim communities through fear,racial profiling and intimidation.” She asserted that the administration’s immigration agenda is driven by a desire to marginalize certain communities, rather than by legitimate law enforcement concerns.
The ongoing situation in Minneapolis underscores the deep divisions and escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, even as the administration attempts to project an image of de-escalation.
