Protesters gathered across Minneapolis over the weekend following a fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents, as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz publicly called on President Donald Trump to remove the agents from the state. The demonstrations were sparked by the death of a local resident during a federal enforcement operation, an incident that has intensified tensions between state leaders and the federal government.
The shooting occurred during an immigration-related operation in south Minneapolis and resulted in the death of a 37-year-old man who was not the original target of the operation, according to multiple news reports. Federal authorities have said the agents involved believed there was a threat during the encounter, while family members, witnesses and state officials have questioned that account and called for full transparency. The incident is under investigation.
Governor Walz described the presence of federal agents in Minnesota as dangerous and unnecessary, arguing that their actions have undermined public safety. In a statement and subsequent public remarks, Walz urged President Trump to immediately withdraw the agents, saying the federal operation was poorly coordinated and had created fear within local communities. Minnesota officials have also expressed frustration that state and local law enforcement were not adequately informed about the operation.
In response, hundreds of protesters marched through parts of Minneapolis, holding signs and chanting slogans demanding accountability and the removal of federal immigration agents. Demonstrations took place near federal buildings and at community memorials, with organizers emphasizing peaceful protest while calling for justice for the victim and changes to federal enforcement practices. Community leaders and civil rights groups joined the protests, warning that aggressive federal operations risk further loss of life and damage trust between authorities and residents.
The Trump administration has defended the presence of federal agents, stating that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and that agents acted within their authority. Federal officials have said they are reviewing the shooting but have not indicated plans to withdraw personnel from Minnesota. The White House has also criticized state leaders for opposing federal immigration efforts.
As protests continue, Minneapolis once again finds itself at the center of a national debate over federal authority, immigration enforcement and public safety. State officials are pressing for answers and policy changes, while demonstrators say they will continue to gather until the agents are removed and accountability is assured.
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