Massive ICE Operation Sparks National Uproar

Police officers in riot gear near burning car.

Federal immigration enforcement reaches a dangerous tipping point as anti-ICE protesters unleash chaos in Minneapolis, threatening law enforcement officers and forcing an unlawful assembly declaration while demanding the elimination of immigration enforcement.

Story Snapshot

ICE officer shoots woman who allegedly attempted to run over federal agents during immigration operation
Thousands of protesters march through Minneapolis demanding end to ICE enforcement operations
Downtown demonstrations escalate into violence with forced hotel entry and projectiles thrown at officers
Federal agents conduct largest immigration enforcement operation in ICE history with over 2,100 officers deployed

Federal Officers Under Attack During Lawful Operations

ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good on January 7, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Federal officials maintain Ross acted in self-defense when Good allegedly blocked federal officers with her vehicle and attempted to run over agents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem characterized Good’s actions as “a domestic act of terrorism,” emphasizing the serious threat posed to federal law enforcement. The incident occurred during the Trump administration’s largest immigration enforcement operation in ICE history, with over 2,100 additional officers deployed to Minnesota.

Protesters Target Hotels and Assault Law Enforcement

Anti-ICE demonstrations in downtown Minneapolis on January 9-10 descended into lawless confrontations as several hundred protesters gathered near the Canopy Hotel and Depot Renaissance Hotel. Around 9:45 p.m., a group forced entry through an alley entrance of the Canopy Hotel before security regained control. Protesters threw snow, ice, and rocks at officers and vehicles, injuring one officer with a chunk of ice. Minneapolis police declared an unlawful assembly at 10:15 p.m., deploying approximately 200 officers from MPD, State Patrol, and DNR to restore order.

Congressional Democrats Obstruct Federal Law Enforcement

Representatives Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison attempted to conduct an “oversight visit” to the regional ICE headquarters at the Whipple Building on January 10. Initially admitted, the lawmakers were subsequently told their access was rescinded and were removed from the building. Omar characterized this as obstruction of congressional oversight duties, though federal agencies maintained operational security during active enforcement operations. The confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between Democratic lawmakers and immigration enforcement efforts under the renewed Trump administration crackdown.

The Minnesota operation represents a critical component of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign, with federal officers redeployed from Louisiana operations to address alleged fraud involving Somali residents. Local officials disputed the federal self-defense narrative regarding Good’s shooting, though DHS released video footage showing Good’s SUV blocking the street while agents conducted their operation. The footage ends before the shooting, with federal authorities maintaining transparency while protecting operational details.

Nationwide Anti-Enforcement Movement Spreads

The Minneapolis incident catalyzed a coordinated “ICE Out For Good” weekend of action spanning over 1,000 protests and vigils nationwide. ACLU and coalition organizers characterized the events as peaceful community actions, though they explicitly demand accountability for Good’s death and call for ending ICE presence in local communities. Cities including Philadelphia held solidarity protests referencing Good’s killing, demonstrating how local enforcement actions face organized national resistance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prevented Minnesota’s state investigations agency from participating in the shooting investigation, which will be led solely by the FBI.

Federal immigration enforcement faces unprecedented challenges as organized protest movements seek to obstruct lawful operations through coordinated resistance campaigns. The Minneapolis events underscore the difficulties federal agents encounter while executing immigration law in jurisdictions with limited local cooperation and established activist infrastructure opposed to constitutional enforcement authority.