Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Minneapolis on Friday, showing anger over President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The rally comes after federal agents fatally shot two U.S. citizens during earlier protests this month.
People carried signs against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the agency leading mass deportations. The demonstration was part of a national call for a “shutdown” across the United States.
Minneapolis has become the center of opposition to Trump’s immigration approach. Many residents say federal authorities have gone too far. “I don’t think our federal government should be terrorizing our people like this,” said 24-year-old Sushma Santhana as chants of “our streets!” echoed around her.
The crowd braved freezing temperatures after attending an anti-ICE concert by Bruce Springsteen. The rock legend recently released “Streets of Minneapolis” to honor the two protesters who were killed. Max Maffor, also 24, said he joined the protest “to protect democracy and the freedoms we enjoy in America.” Similar rallies took place in Los Angeles, where federal immigration raids last year sparked protests. Thousands gathered outside City Hall with signs calling for change.
Earlier on Friday, the Trump administration charged journalist Don Lemon and eight others with civil rights violations. They had covered a protest at a church where an ICE official serves as pastor. Lemon’s lawyer said the coverage was routine reporting and similar to his past work.
The Department of Homeland Security said Lemon faces two charges: conspiracy to deprive rights and interfering with First Amendment protections, which include freedom of speech and religion. Media advocates criticized the arrest. “This is an egregious attack on journalists and the First Amendment,” said Jodie Ginsberg, CEO of the Committee to Protect Journalists. Lemon was released after a short hearing in Los Angeles. His next hearing is scheduled for February 9 in Minneapolis. Democratic leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, called for Lemon’s immediate release. The arrest has intensified debates over press freedom in the U.S.
Trump described Alex Pretti, 37, one of the protesters killed, as an “agitator and, perhaps, insurrectionist” after footage allegedly showed him kicking a federal agent’s car. Residents remain skeptical. “So the guy kicked a car’s light, does that mean he deserved to die?” asked Pedro Wolcott, a Latino sandwich shop owner. The Justice Department has opened a civil rights probe into Pretti’s death. No similar investigation has been announced for Renee Good, who federal agents also shot in January.
Trump appointed top immigration adviser Tom Homan as his new point person in Minneapolis. Homan suggested improvements in federal operations and mentioned a possible drawdown of some of the more than 3,000 federal agents stationed in the city. His comments marked a softer tone than those of the previous local Border Patrol commander, Greg Bovino. Homan said changes could happen if local authorities cooperate more closely with federal agents.
The deaths of Pretti and Good have also stirred action in Congress. Democrats have tied funding for the Department of Homeland Security to stricter limits on immigration enforcement. Lawmakers demand that DHS funding be renegotiated before the upcoming government deadline.
As the backlash spreads, Minneapolis remains at the center of a national debate over immigration policy, civil rights, and press freedom. The protests highlight growing tension over how far federal authorities can go in enforcing immigration laws.
