Forty-two anti-ICE protesters were arrested Saturday outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis after a peaceful memorial service escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement officers.
Violence Erupts Following Memorial Service
The arrests occurred after demonstrators gathered to honor Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two Minneapolis residents fatally shot by federal agents last month. Video footage captured protesters shouting insults at state patrol officers, tearing down police tape, and throwing inappropriate objects at law enforcement. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest count to local media outlets.
One protester used a megaphone to declare the gathering peaceful while others chanted traditional protest slogans. The memorial service had taken place at Powderhorn Park, approximately fifteen minutes from where the arrests occurred. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the memorial participants on social media, stating thousands attended to remember the deceased individuals, but did not address the subsequent violence.
Ongoing Immigration Enforcement Tensions
Minneapolis has experienced heightened protests since January following the deaths of Good and Pretti, who were reportedly confronting immigration enforcement when killed. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Frey have publicly criticized federal immigration operations, alleging constitutional violations including targeting minorities and conducting warrantless searches. Both officials have demanded ICE cease operations in their state.
Federal Response to Local Opposition
The tensions have prompted significant federal action. White House border czar Tom Homan withdrew seven hundred federal agents from Minneapolis Wednesday amid mounting local resistance. This withdrawal represents a substantial reduction in immigration enforcement personnel in the area. The decision followed weeks of escalating confrontations between local officials and federal immigration authorities, highlighting the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement policies and state versus federal authority in sanctuary jurisdictions.