Trump orders federal agents to stay away from protests in Democrat cities

Following the second fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by ICE agents in Minneapolis, President Trump is sending his border tsar, Tom Homan, to Minnesota. Trump announced Homan's deployment on Monday, stating he will report directly to him and manage ICE operations in the state. The move comes after public outcry over the shootings. Trump indicated his administration is reviewing the recent incident and suggested a potential withdrawal of immigration enforcement officials from the Minneapolis area at some point in the future, though he provided no specific timeline. The decision follows increased scrutiny of ICE operations in Minneapolis.

President Trump is scheduled to give a speech in Iowa focusing on "affordability" as a shift in Republican messaging. This comes amid growing protests and outrage following the death of Alex Pretti in Minnesota on Saturday, related to Trump's immigration crackdown. Trump appears to be softening his stance on immigration enforcement in response to the public outcry. As part of this shift, Trump has reassigned the chief of immigration raids. The speech is an attempt to address public concerns and pivot the administration's focus.

Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minnesota, President Trump stated his administration would "de-escalate" its presence in the state. This shooting, along with the earlier death of Renee Good in January, sparked protests and criticism from lawmakers. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) removed Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino from the Minnesota mission and deployed Tom Homan to meet with local officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey. Trump called Pretti's death "unfortunate" and commented on Pretti carrying a gun, while DHS claimed agents acted in self-defense after Pretti resisted disarming, a claim disputed by eyewitnesses. Pretti's death intensified calls for the withdrawal of 3,000 immigration agents from the region.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday to explain the agency's handling of bond hearings for detained immigrants. Chief Judge Patrick J Schiltz issued the order due to concerns over the agency's preparedness for the legal challenges arising from increased immigration detentions in the state. The order follows President Trump's deployment of additional agents to Minnesota as part of an immigration crackdown, prompted by protests and recent incidents involving immigration law enforcement. Tom Homan has been appointed to oversee the operation, replacing Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino. The White House had initially blamed Democratic leaders for the protests.

A judge is set to hear a case regarding Minnesota's "Operation Metro Surge," an ICE crackdown initiated last month. The lawsuit aims to reduce the number of ICE agents to pre-surge levels. This follows the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents, prompting increased scrutiny of federal immigration tactics in Minnesota. Republican Congressman Andrew Garbarino, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, is seeking testimony from leaders at ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The investigation is driven by concerns about the Trump administration's account of events and a focus on American safety.

A federal judge in Minnesota has ordered acting ICE Director Todd Lyons to appear in court on Friday to explain why he shouldn't be held in contempt. Chief Judge Patrick J. Schiltz issued the order, citing the Trump administration's failure to comply with previous orders to hold bond hearings for detained immigrants. The judge criticized the administration's handling of these hearings, especially given the surge of ICE agents in Minnesota. This order follows President Trump's directive to Tom Homan to oversee immigration enforcement in Minnesota and a hearing on a request to halt the surge. The judge acknowledged the unusual nature of summoning a federal agency head but emphasized the extent of ICE's non-compliance with court orders.

In January 2026, President Trump announced plans to "de-escalate" the crisis in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of two citizens, including ICU nurse Alex Pretti, by Border Patrol agents. The shootings occurred amidst a federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, sparking protests and a standoff between state and federal officials. Pretti was filming officers when he was shot; he was also a licensed gun owner. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees ICE and CBP, is facing criticism and calls for her resignation over her response, including accusing Pretti of "domestic terrorism." Despite the controversy, Trump expressed confidence in Noem. The administration's actions in Minnesota have drawn widespread condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans.

During a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked with an unknown liquid sprayed from a syringe by an audience member. Omar was unharmed and continued the meeting after the assailant was arrested. The liquid had an acrid, sour smell, described by some as similar to a chemical product. The attacker claimed Omar was "pitting us against each other" as he was escorted from the room. The town hall, attended by about 100 people, focused on the presence of federal immigration officials in the area following two recent fatal shootings of American citizens by immigration officers, during which Omar called for the abolishment of ICE.

Following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old man, Alex Pretti, by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis on Saturday, protests erupted, demanding the removal of immigration agents from the city. The shooting occurred during what is described as an immigration crackdown. According to a Border Patrol commander, the agent fired "defensive shots" after Pretti, allegedly armed with a handgun, approached agents and resisted their attempts to disarm him. The incident has heightened tensions in Minneapolis, already strained by a previous fatal shooting. Senator Amy Klobuchar has called for ICE to leave Minnesota. Protesters gathered at the site, leading to confrontations with law enforcement, who deployed tear gas and pepper spray.

A 37-year-old Minneapolis man, believed to be a U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by a federal agent in Minneapolis. According to Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, the incident occurred when officers attempted to disarm the man, who reportedly "violently resisted." The shooting prompted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to contact the White House. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identity of the federal agent involved have not been released. Further details regarding the incident are expected to be released as the investigation unfolds.

On Saturday in Minneapolis, federal immigration officers shot and killed a 37-year-old man, prompting protests in a city already dealing with tensions from a previous fatal shooting. The incident occurred amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, according to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Details of the shooting remain unclear, but the Department of Homeland Security stated the individual possessed a firearm with two magazines. Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara urged peaceful demonstrations, acknowledging public anger and unanswered questions while cautioning against violence and property damage. Authorities have released limited information as the situation continues to unfold.

The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska to prepare for potential deployment to Minnesota amid escalating protests against the government's deportation drive. The order comes after President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if protests targeting immigration officials are not stopped. Tensions have risen in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of a civilian by an ICE officer on January 7th. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated that deploying the military would worsen the situation, as the city already has 3,000 federal immigration and Border Patrol officers dealing with the protests. It remains unclear whether the troops will actually be deployed.

A "Day of Truth & Freedom" protest, characterized by a call for economic blackout ("no work, no school, no shopping"), was launched in Minnesota on Friday by community leaders, faith leaders, and labor unions. The protest is in response to an increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state. Organizers are demanding that ICE leave Minnesota and that the agency be investigated for alleged constitutional violations. The protest was also spurred by the recent killing of Renee Good, an unarmed woman who was shot by a federal immigration officer in Minneapolis earlier this month. The aim of the economic blackout is to disrupt normal activity and draw attention to the organizers' demands.

The Pentagon has ordered approximately 1,500 active-duty soldiers from the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska to prepare for potential deployment to Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. This follows ongoing protests against federal immigration raids conducted by roughly 3,000 ICE agents in the area. The protests were sparked by the death of a Minneapolis resident and mother, Renee Nicole Good. The Department of Homeland Security reported that a federal officer shot a Venezuelan man in the leg during the raids, and ICE stated that a Nicaraguan man died in their custody after being arrested in Minneapolis. The military is reportedly prepared to execute orders from the Commander-in-Chief if called upon.

The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska to prepare for potential deployment to Minnesota amid escalating tensions over the government's immigration enforcement. The possible deployment follows increased protests in Minneapolis after the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE officer on January 7th. Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy the military if protests impeding immigration officials are not stopped. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has criticized the potential deployment as unnecessary and inflammatory, stating the city is safe and does not need additional federal agents. The Trump administration has already sent 3,000 immigration and border patrol officers to the city.

Legal battles are intensifying over immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino held a press conference in Minneapolis on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to defend the tactics used by Border Patrol and ICE, asserting they are lawful, ethical, and moral. The operations have faced scrutiny, leading to legal challenges. Activists have also taken action, including disrupting church services where a Minnesota ICE official serves as a pastor. The controversy surrounds the enforcement activities carried out by federal immigration officers in locations like Maplewood and St. Paul, Minnesota.

The US Justice Department (DOJ) is investigating Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, to determine if they obstructed federal immigration agents. The probe follows a lawsuit filed by the state against the Department of Homeland Security regarding controversial immigration raids. The DOJ is reviewing whether state officials conspired to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from performing their duties. The investigation is occurring after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good, a US citizen, during one of the raids. State officials have criticized the DOJ investigation, calling it politically motivated and a distraction.

The Trump administration is urging a judge to reject Minnesota's efforts to stop its immigration crackdown. The state and several cities have filed lawsuits against federal immigration authorities, claiming that their actions are unconstitutional. According to ChongLy "Scott" Thao, a U.S. citizen was detained by ICE agents at gunpoint without a warrant in his home in Maplewood, Minnesota. The detention occurred on January 20, 2026, and involved the agent entering the home with guns drawn. The Trump administration is seeking to block these lawsuits, arguing that federal immigration authorities have broad authority to enforce immigration laws. The case involves the constitutionality of ICE's actions in Minnesota.

In January 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Minnesota with a "day of reckoning and retribution" following ongoing protests over the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The statement followed Trump's promise to send hundreds more ICE agents to the city, despite criticism from state and local leaders who view the increased federal presence as a dangerous escalation. Trump accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of having a "HORRIBLE Open Border’s Policy" and claimed ICE agents were simply removing dangerous individuals. Minnesota's Attorney General and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul have filed a lawsuit alleging the ICE surge violates residents' freedom of speech and the state's constitutional rights. A federal judge was scheduled to hear arguments in the case on Tuesday.

An ICE agent shot a man in the leg in Minneapolis, prompting protests and calls for ICE to leave the city. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that the agent was pursuing the man, who was allegedly in the US illegally, when an altercation occurred. The DHS claims the agent fired in self-defense after being "attacked" by the man and two others, who are now in custody. The FBI is investigating the incident. This shooting follows the recent death of a woman shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis last week, which is also under FBI investigation. Minneapolis city officials and the mayor have condemned the shootings and the presence of ICE in the city, accusing them of creating chaos.

Tensions are high in Minnesota following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, sparking nationwide protests against immigration raids. Demonstrations have occurred in multiple cities, including Minneapolis and St. Cloud, with federal agents using tear gas to disperse protesters. In response to the escalating situation, the state of Minnesota, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging violations of the First Amendment and challenging the surge of over 2,000 immigration officers into the state. Homeland Security defends the enforcement operation, citing public safety concerns and claiming over 2,000 arrests since December, while maintaining that the officer acted in self-defense. The lawsuit aims to halt or limit the federal crackdown.

A U.S. federal judge in Minnesota issued an injunction on January 17, 2026, curbing the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents against protesters and observers in Minneapolis. The order follows rising tensions and the fatal shooting of a local activist by an ICE agent earlier in the month. The injunction prohibits agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters, including arresting or detaining individuals without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. It also bans the use of crowd-control munitions like pepper spray and tear gas against peaceful demonstrators or bystanders observing ICE operations. The Department of Homeland Security has 72 hours to comply with the ruling, which is seen as a victory for local activists protesting the deployment of 2,000 immigration agents to the area by the Trump administration.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security on Monday, seeking to end the increased presence of ICE agents in the state. The lawsuit follows the fatal shooting of a Minnesota resident by an ICE agent last week, which sparked protests. Ellison claims the ICE agents are poorly trained, making unconstitutional arrests, and using excessive force, leading to safety concerns and business closures. He also alleges that local police have had to intervene in multiple instances of ICE agents' apparent abductions of Minneapolis residents. Ellison suggested the Trump administration is targeting Minnesota due to political bias.

A federal judge in Minnesota ruled that federal officers involved in a large immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or use tear gas against peaceful protesters. The ruling, issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, stems from a case filed in December on behalf of six Minnesota activists who monitor immigration enforcement activities. The lawsuit alleges that the federal agents were obstructing the activists' ability to observe and document their work. The judge's order specifically prohibits the officers from detaining or using tear gas against protesters who are not obstructing authorities, including those observing the agents' actions. The ruling comes after incidents in January 2026 where tear gas was deployed during confrontations between federal immigration officers and protesters outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis.

Federal agents in Minneapolis used tear gas and eye irritants against protesters on Tuesday amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced its "largest operation in DHS history," deploying hundreds of Customs and Border Protection agents to supplement the existing Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence, totaling approximately 2,800 agents. This surge coincided with the resignation of several federal prosecutors protesting the Justice Department's decision not to investigate the killing of Renee Nicole Good by a federal immigration agent. Minnesota and two mayors are seeking a court order to suspend the operation. A judge is also considering restricting the use of force by agents against those observing and recording their activities, with a ruling expected soon. Students in Brooklyn Park and other communities walked out of school to protest the immigration enforcement operation.