Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has spoken out forcefully against recent federal immigration enforcement actions in his city. The mayor's comments come after a tragic incident last week where 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent.
Federal Response Sparks Outrage
Frey made his position clear during recent statements. He emphasized that current operations go beyond normal immigration enforcement. "We are not asking ICE not to do ICE things," Frey stated. "We are asking this government to stop the unconstitutional conduct and to stop evading streets each and every day."
Tensions Escalate in Minneapolis Streets
The situation remains volatile in Minneapolis. Just days after Good's shooting, federal officers used tear gas to disperse crowds near a car accident involving immigration agents. This occurred mere blocks from where Good lost her life.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison echoed the mayor's concerns during a news conference. "This is, in essence, a federal invasion of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and it must stop," Ellison declared. He described federal agents as "poorly trained, aggressive and armed" individuals who have "terrorized Minnesota with widespread unlawful conduct."
Legal Challenges Mount
The state of Minnesota, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, has taken legal action. They argue the Department of Homeland Security is violating First Amendment rights and other constitutional protections. Their lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order to halt or limit the enforcement campaign.
Federal Operations Expand
Despite local opposition, Homeland Security continues its operations. The agency has pledged to deploy more than 2,000 immigration officers to Minnesota. ICE reports making over 2,000 arrests since December, calling this their largest enforcement operation ever.
Community response has been passionate and widespread. Minneapolis witnessed a large school walkout following the shooting. Residents continue to visit the flower-covered memorial for Renee Good. Regular clashes occur between crowds and agents using tear gas for crowd control.
National Implications
The controversy extends beyond Minnesota. Similar legal actions are emerging across the country. Civilian protesters have filed their own case, with a court hearing scheduled for Tuesday. They claim federal immigration actions are unlawful.
Illinois officials and the city of Chicago filed a separate lawsuit on Monday. They argue immigration agents' "menacing, violent, and unlawful incursion" into their communities represents an illegal effort to force acceptance of President Trump's policy goals.
Congressional Oversight Concerns
Lawmakers are calling for increased oversight. "This is a critical moment for oversight," they wrote in a statement. "Members of Congress must be able to conduct oversight at ICE detention facilities, without notice, to obtain urgent and essential information for ongoing funding negotiations."
Detention Conditions Under Scrutiny
Recent reports highlight concerning conditions in immigration custody. U.S. government press releases reveal four migrants died during the first ten days of 2026. These deaths involved two Hondurans, a Cuban, and a Cambodian national between January 3 and 9.
This adds to last year's record number of detention deaths under President Trump's administration. The government is currently moving to speed up deportations while expanding detention capacity. ICE held approximately 69,000 people as of January 7.
The situation in Minneapolis continues to develop as local officials, community members, and federal authorities navigate this complex and emotionally charged immigration enforcement landscape.
