Mass demonstrations erupt across U.S. cities following two federal shootings Thousands marched in Minneapolis on Saturday, joining hundreds of rallies in other towns to denounce the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer and a separate shooting of two individuals in Portland, Oregon [1][2][3]. Protesters braved sub‑freezing temperatures, carrying signs such as “De‑ICE Minnesota,” while organizers framed the actions as a community response to federal violence [2][3]. The Portland incident was later clarified to involve non‑protesters, underscoring the broader national outrage over ICE’s use of force [2].

Federal authorities deploy unprecedented immigration enforcement operation The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that more than 2,000 federal officers were stationed in the Twin Cities, describing it as the largest immigration‑enforcement deployment in U.S. history [1][3]. The Trump administration framed the presence as a “sweeping” crackdown, aiming to deter illegal immigration amid the protests [2]. Local officials noted the heightened federal presence contributed to heightened tensions during the weekend demonstrations [3].

Violent flashpoint occurs outside Minneapolis hotel on Friday night Approximately 1,000 demonstrators gathered outside a downtown hotel, where some threw ice, snow, and rocks at officers, injuring one officer with minor wounds [1][3]. Law enforcement issued 29 citations, all of which were later released, and the incident was labeled by city leaders as the work of “agitators” seeking to incite chaos [1][3]. The Friday clash contrasted with the largely peaceful Saturday marches, prompting renewed calls for restraint.

Local leaders urge peaceful protest while condemning outside agitators Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey emphasized that most protests remained peaceful but warned that anyone damaging property or endangering others would be arrested, specifically naming agitators as a threat [1][3]. Governor Tim Walz echoed the plea for calm, criticizing the federal deployment as a catalyst for violence and urging citizens to express dissent through lawful channels and the ballot box [1][2][3]. Both officials also rebuked President Trump for allegedly stoking unrest [3].

Congressional oversight attempts meet federal resistance Three Minnesota congresswomen entered the Minneapolis ICE facility but were ordered to leave within ten minutes, alleging obstruction of oversight by ICE agents [1][2][3]. A federal judge had recently issued a temporary injunction against policies limiting congressional visits to immigration facilities, stemming from a lawsuit by twelve lawmakers [3]. Reporters and journalists in the area also reported warnings from federal agents as the crackdown continued [2].