Minneapolis, United States. Thousands of demonstrators marched in Minnesota and across the United States on Friday, demanding the immediate removal of federal immigration agents from the state following a series of deadly incidents. The actions were part of a “National Shutdown” day of protest.
National Shutdown actions across the country
Held under the slogan “No work, no school, no shopping,” the day of action included student and teacher walkouts from California to New York. The movement follows months of rising anger over tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Escalation in Minneapolis
Tensions have escalated in Minneapolis, where President Donald Trump has deployed 3,000 federal officers. The force, described as five times larger than the city’s police department, has been patrolling streets in full gear.
Demonstrators cite fear and anger
Protesters gathered in freezing temperatures in downtown Minneapolis, including families and activists. Katia Kagan, the daughter of Russian Jewish immigrants, said she was marching to protect the “American dream” her parents sought. A 65-year-old teacher named Kim described the federal operation as an “all-out fascist attack” on citizens.
Deaths and public support
The protests took place near sites where two American citizens, Alex Preti and Renee Good, were recently killed by federal agents. Support for the movement extended to the arts world, with rock star Bruce Springsteen performing a new song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” at a fundraiser for the families of the victims.
Organisers cite widespread participation
Organisers estimated that 250 mobilisations took place across 46 states, including Chicago and Washington, D.C.
White House response
Despite calls from critics for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Trump defended his administration in a social media post, saying Noem has done a “TRULY GREAT JOB!” and that the “border disaster” he inherited has been resolved.
How do you think the federal deployment in Minneapolis will affect future protests in the city?