ICE agents in Minnesota have adopted a new ominous catchphrase in the wake of Renee Good’s tragic death in the city last week.
Recent videos have surfaced showing officers intimidating peaceful demonstrators to cease following them or adhere to their commands. Many of them are heard using phrases like “have you not learned?” in connection to an ICE agent fatally shooting the mother of three on a Minneapolis street last Wednesday.
The influx of anti-Migrant personnel under Donald Trump’s administration in the state has escalated tensions. Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer while trying to maneuver her car around him to drive away. Despite clear video evidence showing she posed no threat, Trump officials labeled her a “domestic terrorist” and defended the officer’s actions as self-defense.
Several prosecutors, including First Assistant US Attorney Joe Thompson, have resigned due to discontent with the Justice Department’s handling of the shooting. With the Department of Homeland Security deploying over 2,000 immigration officers to Minnesota, the state, along with Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration on Monday to halt or restrict the deployment.
The lawsuit alleges that Homeland Security is violating constitutional rights, particularly the First Amendment, by targeting a liberal state that supports Democrats and welcomes immigrants. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed concerns about the significant impact of the federal agents on daily life in the city. A status conference is scheduled for Wednesday.
Homeland Security has made over 2,000 arrests in Minnesota since early December and is steadfast in its approach. In response to the lawsuit, spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin accused Minnesota officials of disregarding public safety. Meanwhile, ICE agents dispersed tear gas and used eye irritants against activists during clashes, and students staged a walkout at a suburban school to protest the immigration raids.