Minneapolis Protesters March Against ICE as Governor Urges Trump to Remove Agents
✍️ Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
📅 January 27, 2026
Thousands of protesters marched through Minneapolis on Monday to oppose federal immigration enforcement operations, as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz publicly urged President Donald Trump to remove U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from the state following two fatal shootings involving federal officers.
The demonstrations, among the largest in the city in recent years, came amid escalating anger over the federal immigration surge known as Operation Metro Surge. Protesters carried signs condemning ICE and chanted slogans calling for the withdrawal of federal agents, arguing that the enforcement campaign has created fear and instability in Minneapolis neighborhoods.
Protests Intensify After Deadly Shootings
The marches followed the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse who was fatally shot during a federal immigration operation earlier this month. Pretti was the second U.S. citizen killed by federal agents in Minneapolis in a matter of weeks, intensifying scrutiny of the operation and prompting sustained protests.
Demonstrators gathered in downtown Minneapolis and near government buildings, with organizers estimating participation in the thousands. Local officials said the protests were largely peaceful, though law enforcement maintained a visible presence.
Community leaders and advocacy groups said the federal presence has driven widespread fear, particularly among immigrant families but also among U.S. citizens who worry about aggressive enforcement tactics in public spaces.
Governor Calls for Federal Withdrawal
Governor Walz, speaking at a press conference, directly appealed to the White House to end the federal deployment.
“You can end this today,” Walz said, calling the operation “dangerous and destabilizing” for Minnesota communities. He argued that the shootings and subsequent unrest demonstrate the need for a different approach to immigration enforcement that respects civil liberties and local authority.
Minnesota officials have also pressed for independent investigations into the shootings, citing concerns over federal control of evidence and limited transparency.
Federal Response and Administration Position
The White House has said that President Donald Trump supports strict immigration enforcement but does not want to see people killed on U.S. streets. Federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Border Patrol, have defended their actions as lawful and consistent with use-of-force policies.
Federal officials have confirmed that some agents are expected to leave Minneapolis in the coming days, though they have not said whether the broader operation will be scaled back. The administration has also sent senior border enforcement officials to Minnesota to review operations.
National Political Implications
The protests in Minneapolis have drawn national attention, with solidarity demonstrations reported in other U.S. cities. The clash between Minnesota officials and federal authorities highlights broader tensions over immigration policy, federal power, and accountability for law enforcement.
Political analysts say the situation could have lasting implications ahead of the 2026 elections, particularly in swing states where immigration enforcement and civil liberties are central campaign issues.
What Is Known — and What Remains Unclear
Confirmed:
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Thousands protested against ICE in Minneapolis.
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Governor Walz urged President Trump to remove federal agents.
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Two U.S. citizens have been killed by federal officers in Minneapolis this month.
Not yet disclosed:
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Whether federal immigration operations will be permanently reduced or ended.
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Full findings from state and federal investigations into the shootings.
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A timeline for the withdrawal of additional federal agents.
As protests continue, Minneapolis remains a national flashpoint in the debate over immigration enforcement and federal authority within U.S. cities.
Sources:
Reuters reporting on Minneapolis protests and federal response; Associated Press coverage of Minnesota state officials; White House statements; local Minneapolis reporting.
Tags:
Minneapolis Protests, ICE, Immigration Enforcement, Tim Walz, Federal Agents, U.S. Politics
News by The Vagabond News
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