Minneapolis Protests Lead to Arrests and Injuries
Violent Protests Follow Death of Woman Shot by ICE Agent
At least 29 individuals were arrested in Minneapolis during protests sparked by the death of a woman who was shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent. A police officer was also injured after being struck by a "chunk of ice," city officials reported during demonstrations that drew approximately 1,000 participants on Friday night.
The protests against immigration enforcement laws have occurred nationwide following the shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was killed in her car on Wednesday. The Trump administration contended that the agent acted in self-defense, while local officials argued that the woman posed no threat.
The Minneapolis Police Department declared an unlawful assembly on Friday night as protesters gathered outside the Canopy Hotel, believed to be housing some ICE agents. In a statement, the police noted that "some individuals forced entry into the hotel through a secondary exit." Videos posted online showed protesters chanting and beating drums. Police estimated that there were "well over 1,000" demonstrators in the area, with some throwing ice, snow, and rocks at officers and police vehicles, but no serious injuries were reported.
One officer sustained minor injuries but did not require medical assistance, according to reporters. Officials also reported that another hotel in the city was targeted, sustaining damage and graffiti. At a press conference on Saturday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised the majority of protesters for behaving peacefully but emphasized that individuals causing property damage or endangering others would be arrested.
Protests are ongoing, with additional events planned over the weekend, both in Minneapolis and across Texas, Florida, Washington D.C., and other locations in the United States. The incident is currently under investigation by the FBI, and Minnesota officials stated they would conduct their own inquiry into the shooting.
