ICE Officers Receive New Guidelines to Avoid Protesters During Minneapolis Immigration Operations
In a significant policy shift, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been directed to "avoid engaging with the agitators" during their ongoing immigration crackdown operations. This new guidance comes in the wake of heightened tensions and violent confrontations in Minneapolis, where two US citizens were recently shot during anti-ICE protests.
Focus on Criminal Immigrants Only
According to reports from Reuters, the updated instructions emphasize that enforcement actions should exclusively target immigrants with criminal charges or convictions. This move aims to streamline operations and reduce potential conflicts with protesters who have been actively opposing ICE's presence in the city.
The directive was communicated via an email from a top ICE official, which explicitly stated: "DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS. It serves no purpose other than inflaming the situation. No one is going to convince the other. The only communication should be the officers issuing commands."
Enhanced Communication Protocols
To ensure clarity and transparency during arrests, the guidelines mandate that ICE officers use megaphones to verbalize every step of the arrest process. This protocol is designed to maintain order and prevent misunderstandings during high-stress situations. However, the specific grounds for these commands and the consequences of disobedience have not been detailed in the released documents.
Political Backing and Leadership
President Trump has expressed a special interest in de-escalating the tensions surrounding the immigration crackdown. He has appointed his top border adviser, Tom Homan, to oversee the operations. Following a phone call with the Minnesota governor, Trump noted that they are on the "same wavelength" regarding the situation. He also highlighted "a lot of progress being made" in discussions with the mayor of Minneapolis, a city that has experienced massive protests since ICE's deployment.
Operation Metro Surge and Recent Incidents
ICE's activities in Minneapolis and Saint Paul are part of Operation Metro Surge, a targeted immigration enforcement initiative. The operation has been marred by violence, including the deaths of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during a confrontation with ICE officers. Under the US Constitution, law enforcement is permitted to use deadly force if an officer reasonably believes that a subject poses an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to the officer or others.
The new guidelines represent an effort to balance enforcement priorities with public safety, as authorities navigate the complex and often volatile landscape of immigration policy in urban centers like Minneapolis.
