Minneapolis Protests Erupt Amid Federal Immigration Crackdown
Over the past two weeks, Minneapolis has become a focal point of intense protests and confrontations with federal immigration agents. This surge in activity is part of a wider initiative by the administration to apprehend undocumented immigrants, igniting widespread local opposition.
SCOTT DETROW, HOST:
The increased presence of ICE in Minneapolis has led to numerous significant events, including the shooting of Renee Macklin Good. Protestors have been met with tear gas and pepper spray, and criticism has come from high-ranking officials such as President Trump and Vice President Vance. Moreover, the Department of Justice has sent subpoenas to local leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz. Dubbed Operation Metro Surge, this initiative is the Trump administration’s most extensive effort to date to capture undocumented individuals.
In solidarity, over 600 businesses have closed their doors as protests continue to swell. Understanding the full scope of these events can be challenging. To provide insights, NPR reporters Kat Lonsdorf and Jasmine Garsd, who have been covering the situation extensively, share their observations.
JASMINE GARSD, BYLINE: Thank you for having me.
KAT LONSDORF, BYLINE: Hey. Thanks for having us.
DETROW: You both have been closely monitoring the developments. Jasmine, what has stood out to you since your arrival in Minneapolis?
GARSD: I’ve covered similar operations, but the scale here is unexpected given Minneapolis’s smaller size compared to cities like Los Angeles. With around 2,500 agents deployed, it’s unprecedented. Greg Bovino from Border Patrol frequently emphasizes their mission to protect “Ma and Pa,” yet many residents, including “Ma and Pa,” are part of the protests.
DETROW: Kat, what are your observations?
LONSDORF: Jasmine makes a valid point. Despite the cold, people aren’t just protesting visibly; they’re organizing underground via Signal chats and other networks. Neighbors are rearranging their lives to support each other, offering rides or delivering groceries, as their form of protest.
DETROW: Have you encountered anyone in Minneapolis who supports ICE’s actions?
GARSD: No, the opposition to the operation is widespread.
LONSDORF: I spoke with an immigrant Uber driver from Liberia who initially supported Trump. However, he now opposes the current situation in Minneapolis.
DETROW: Kat, any interactions that have particularly resonated with you?
LONSDORF: A notable encounter was with a U.S. citizen whose husband is undocumented. Their family is confined to their home, and their 4-year-old daughter hasn’t stepped outside for nearly two months.
DETROW: Jasmine, your reporting captures the essence of these events. What lasting impressions do you have?
GARSD: The dedication of volunteers is remarkable. Even in harsh weather, they’re committed to protecting their community. One volunteer expressed that she felt compelled to act, seeing no alternative.
DETROW: Finally, Jasmine, is there a broader context that might be missed in individual stories?
GARSD: The situation is escalating. Unlike previous operations, this one is more forceful, with leaked memos suggesting agents can enter homes without warrants, and discussions of the Insurrection Act. Children are now hiding in their homes in fear.
That was NPR’s Jasmine Garsd and Kat Lonsdorf, providing insight into the unfolding events in Minneapolis.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
