Minneapolis Protests Demand Withdrawal of Federal Immigration Agents

Protests in Minneapolis demand the withdrawal of federal immigration agents as Democrats push for reforms and accountability for ICE and CBP. Republicans warn the demands are unrealistic and a DHS shutdown is possible. About 700 agents are leaving, but 2,000 remain, keeping protests ongoing.

Protests intensified on Thursday in Minneapolis as demonstrators demanded that federal immigration agents, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), leave the city amid ongoing enforcement operations. The demonstrations are part of a broader response to federal immigration actions taking place across Minnesota, which have been criticized for their aggressive nature and for sparking public outrage in the wake of recent enforcement incidents. Protesters voiced their anger and frustration over what they describe as intrusive federal operations targeting immigrant communities, with many chanting slogans, holding signs, and organizing marches in various parts of the city.
The escalating tensions have prompted Democrats in Congress to take a strong stance against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), threatening to block funding when it expires in two weeks unless there are significant reforms and accountability measures implemented for ICE and other law enforcement agencies involved in the federal immigration crackdown. Lawmakers have emphasized that these changes are necessary to prevent abuses of power, to ensure transparency in operations, and to protect the rights of individuals affected by immigration enforcement. The Democrats’ demands include stricter oversight of federal agents, limits on mask-wearing during operations, the use of body cameras, and requirements for judicial warrants before certain enforcement actions. They argue that without such reforms, federal immigration operations risk undermining public trust and causing further harm to immigrant communities.
Republicans, however, have criticized these demands as unrealistic and warned of the potential consequences of blocking DHS funding. Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that refusing to cooperate with Republicans and the White House could result in a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security next week, highlighting the stakes of the ongoing budget negotiations. Thune’s remarks underline the tension between the two parties, with Republicans emphasizing the importance of maintaining uninterrupted federal operations while Democrats push for structural changes in how immigration enforcement is conducted.
Amid the political standoff, the federal government has begun a partial drawdown of agents in Minnesota, with reports indicating that roughly 700 ICE and CBP personnel will be withdrawn from the state. Nevertheless, about 2,000 federal officers are expected to remain deployed in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, continuing enforcement activities that have fueled protests and public criticism. Activists argue that the partial reduction is insufficient, calling for a full withdrawal of federal agents and demanding greater accountability for what they describe as excessive and sometimes violent enforcement practices. The situation has created a climate of heightened tension in the city, as both political maneuvering in Washington and local protests in Minneapolis continue to unfold simultaneously.
The events in Minneapolis reflect broader national debates over immigration policy, the role of federal enforcement agencies, and the balance between maintaining public safety and protecting individual rights. As the funding deadline for the Department of Homeland Security approaches, the standoff between Democrats and Republicans is likely to intensify, with potential implications not only for immigration enforcement in Minnesota but for federal operations across the United States. Community leaders, activists, and policymakers are watching closely, recognizing that the outcome of this conflict could shape federal immigration policy and enforcement practices for years to come.