Hundreds of Border Patrol Agents Deployed to Minneapolis Amid Rising Immigration Tensions

The Department of Homeland Security has deployed hundreds of Border Patrol officers to Minneapolis following a fatal shooting linked to Immigration and Customs Enforcement that killed Renee Good, a mother of three.

The deployment represents a further escalation in tensions between the Trump administration and Minnesota’s Democratic leadership. Federal authorities have increased immigration enforcement efforts in the state since December, with a focus on Somali communities in Minneapolis. State and local officials say the approach is damaging community trust and undermining public safety.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rejected calls from Minnesota officials for closer coordination with local law enforcement. Speaking on Sunday, she accused Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of politicising the shooting and worsening unrest in the city.

“They’ve extremely politicised and inappropriately talked about the situation on the ground in their city. They have inflamed the public. They have encouraged the kind of destruction and violence that we have seen in Minneapolis the last several days,” Noem said. She called on state leaders to “grow up” and act responsibly.

Minnesota officials have disputed that characterisation, arguing that federal operations are contributing to instability rather than restoring order. They maintain that aggressive enforcement has heightened fear in immigrant communities and strained relations with local authorities.

Representative Ilhan Omar criticised the administration’s response following Good’s death, saying federal actions were creating confusion and disorder. Omar and several members of Congress said they were denied entry to an ICE detention facility in Minnesota over the weekend, limiting their ability to conduct oversight.

Noem said access restrictions were imposed due to what she described as escalating riots and attacks on ICE facilities. A directive issued last Thursday now requires members of parliament to provide at least one week’s notice before visiting detention centres.

Public opposition has continued to grow. More than 1,000 demonstrations were scheduled across Minneapolis and other cities over the weekend, reflecting widespread concern over the administration’s immigration enforcement strategy.