MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES – JANUARY 24: Protesters clash with law enforcement after a federal agent shot and killed a man on Jan. 24 â” the second federal-involved shooting in the city this month, deepening tensions over enforcement operations in Minneapolis, United States, on January 24, 2026. (Photo by Arthur Maiorella/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Tear gas smoke, crumbled police tape and dirty snow have all taken over the city of Minneapolis as tensions between protesters and immigration enforcement continue to escalate. In only three weeks, two Minnesotans were shot and killed by ICE agents, and the community response has been nothing short of historic.
Root 100 Nominee Nicholas Ryan Gant Breaks Down the Secret Meaning of His New Single
We’ve been keeping you up to date with fallout from President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy. Still, there’s nothing like seeing the scene for yourself to really put things into perspective. A picture speaks a thousand words, and in the case of Minneapolis, many of these photos will leave you speechless…
Memorials for Pretti
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 25: flowers and candles make up a memorial to Alex Pretti on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Pretti, an ICU nurse at a VA medical center, died on January 24 after being shot multiple times during a brief altercation with border patrol agents in the Eat Street district of Minneapolis. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
As of Jan. 25, 2026, at least seven people have died during ICE detainment. 2025 also marked ICE’s deadliest year in 20 years, with 32 reported deaths, according to The Guardian.
Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino
US Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino walks to his vehicle at a gas station in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 21, 2026. The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 US soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to a state roiled by unrest over an immigration crackdown, US media reported on January 18. The reported preparations come days after President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which enables use of the military to suppress “armed rebellion” or “domestic violence” — although a day later he said there was no immediate need for it. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino was sent to Minnesota to oversee President Trump’s ongoing mass deportation effort using ICE. Bovino has faced much criticism, as two Americans were killed by agents under his leadership. On Monday (Jan. 26), Trump announced White House Border Czar Tom Homan will be sent to Minneapolis and Bovino will return to the southern border.
ICE Arrests to Date
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. – JANUARY 2026: ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers and federal agents clash with a growing crowd of protesters on Nicollet Avenue in south Minneapolis after Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents in the area early Saturday morning, January 24, 2026. (Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
According to data from a top ICE official, federal agents have arrested about 3,400 people in the area, CBS News reported. If unclear how many of the arrestees have criminal records or the status of their citizenship.
How Many ICE Agents Are in Minneapolis?
TOPSHOT – Federal agents detain a protester along a commercial street during clashes following the fatal shooting of a demonstrator earlier in the day, on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal immigration agents shot dead a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, officials said — the second fatal shooting of a civilian in the city, sparking fresh protests and outrage from state officials. The death came less than three weeks after US citizen Renee Good was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer involved in sweeps to round up undocumented migrants. (Photo by Kerem YUCEL / AFP via Getty Images)
There are 3,000 ICE agents now occupying Minneapolis. That’s about five times larger than the size of the city’s police department, which is roughly 600 officers, according to CBS News.
The Investigation into Alex Pretti’s Killing
A gun shot perforation in a window pane can be seen in a window in front of a makeshift memorial for Alex Pretti on January 26, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. On January 24, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway in Minneapolis, less than three weeks after an immigration officer fired on Renee Good, also 37, killing her in her car. US President Donald Trump blamed their deaths on Democratic “chaos,” as his administration faced intensifying pressure over its mass immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
The investigation into the killing of Pretti is still underway. According to DHS, investigators are inspecting if the weapon Pretti carried “accidentally” went off, sparking agents to fire multiple times at him.
Operation Metro Surge
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 24: A Minneapolis Police officer throws a can of tear gas at people gathered on Nicollet Avenue after a fatal shooting by federal agents on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents allegedly shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a south Minneapolis resident, amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
ICE began “Operation Metro Surge” back in December. The Trump-ordered effort marked the most recent ICE takeover in an American city.
Weapons Used by ICE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN. – JANUARY 2026: A protester was pinned to the ground by federal agents and a chemical irritant was sprayed directly into his face, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in south Minneapolis, Minn. Protesters gathered in the area after federal agents detained two individuals, according to witnesses. (Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii/The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty Images)
During their occupation, agents have been seen using pepper balls, pepper spray and tear gas against protesters in Minneapolis. Videos of agents show them using air-pressurized guns to fire pepper-filled pellets similar to pepper spray. Tear gas is also used for crowd control.
5-Year-Old Detained by ICE
People hold signs in reference to five-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos who was held by immigration officers, during the “ICE out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 23, 2026. The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 US soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to a state roiled by unrest over an immigration crackdown, US media reported on January 18. The reported preparations come days after President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which enables use of the military to suppress “armed rebellion” or “domestic violence” — although a day later he said there was no immediate need for it. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
ICE is also facing backlash following the detainment of a 5-year-old named Liam Conejo Ramos. He was reportedly taken into custody after DHS determined his father was in the country illegally, according to CNN. The father and son are now at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 24: People gather on top of dumpsters at the intersection of 26th Street and Nicollet Avenue after a fatal shooting by federal agents on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents allegedly shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti, a south Minneapolis resident, amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
In response to the second ICE-involved death this year in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz announced he’s deploying National Guard troops into the city.
ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 23: Demonstrators participate in a rally and march during an “ICE Out” day of protest on January 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Community leaders, faith leaders and labor unions have urged Minnesotans to participate in what they are calling a “day of action” as hundreds of local businesses are expected to close during a statewide general strike held in protest against immigration enforcement operations in the region. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
On Jan 23, thousands of people– reportedly 50,000 people– marched downtown Minneapolis for the “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” protest. That day, temperatures fell to negative 20 degrees, according to reports.
Sports Leaders React
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 25: Fans hold signs to protest the presence of federal agents in Minneapolis prior to the start of an NBA game between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Golden State Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr spoke out following a game against the Minensota Timberwolves. “I’ve been following everything, it’s very sad, this has always been a great stop in the NBA tour, I love the city of Minneapolis, people here are wonderful and it’s very sad what’s happening,” Kerr told reporters. “I think the general feeling is one of sadness for Minneapolis, the city, they have been through a lot, and we empathize with the citizens here.”
Trump Meets with DHS Secretary After Shooting
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 24: A photograph of the pistol recovered by immigration agents after a shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Saturday morning is shown on a screen behind U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem as she speaks during a news conference in the National Response Coordination Center at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters on January 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Federal immigration agents shot and killed another U.S. citizen on Saturday morning, later identified as Alex Pretti, during operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Al Drago/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of the Pretti shooting, Trump reportedly met with with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her top aide Corey Lewandowski for almost two hours, the New York Times reported.
Good’s Death Ruled a Homicide
Photos of Nicole Good (L) and Alex Pretti are placed among flowers at a makeshift memorial in the area where Pretti was shot and killed by Federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 26, 2026. On January 24, federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, while scuffling with him on an icy roadway in Minneapolis, less than three weeks after an immigration officer fired on Renee Good, also 37, killing her in her car. US President Donald Trump blamed their deaths on Democratic “chaos,” as his administration faced intensifying pressure over its mass immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
We previously told you Renee Good was shot three times by an ICE agent on Jan. 7. Her death has officially be ruled a homicide.
Students Protest ICE
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 26: Students protest against ICE during a walkout at the University of Minnesota on January 26, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Protests and demonstrations continue around Minneapolis in the aftermath of the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal law enforcement. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Students at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design– located just blocks from where Pretti was shot– and the University of Minnesota walked out of classes in protests to the ongoing violence.
ICE Budget Increase
TOPSHOT – Minneapolis police officers ride an armored vehicle after releasing gas canisters at protesters near where a man was shot dead by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 24, 2026. Federal immigration agents shot dead a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, officials said — the second fatal shooting of a civilian in the city, sparking fresh protests and outrage from state officials. The death came less than three weeks after US citizen Renee Good was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer involved in sweeps to round up undocumented migrants. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JANUARY 24: A person taunts federal agents amid protests following a shooting on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents allegedly shot and killed a protestor amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Trump and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz had a phone conversation after Pretti’s shooting. According to the president, “It was a very good call, and we, actually, seemed to be on a similar wavelength,” he said.
Philando Castile, George Floyd, Renee Good, Alex Pretti
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 24: Thousands of anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) demonstrators are gathered at Embarcadero Plaza and take streets as they show solidarity with Minneapolis in protest for ICE movements cross-country, in San Francisco, California, United States on January 24, 2026. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Minneapolis has a long history of social and civil unrest. In 2016, Philando Castile was killed by a police officer. George Floyd was murdered in 2020 just blocks from where Good was shot by ICE.
Stats of Violence Against ICE
TOPSHOT – An activist is arrested by officers of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office after some protesters attempted to block the street in front of the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building during the “ICE out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” protest in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 23, 2026. The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 US soldiers to prepare for a possible deployment to a state roiled by unrest over an immigration crackdown, US media reported on January 18. The reported preparations come days after President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which enables use of the military to suppress “armed rebellion” or “domestic violence” — although a day later he said there was no immediate need for it. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
DHS announced one day after Good’s killing new statistics on assaults against ICE officers. According to their data, agents have faced more than 1,300 percent increase in assaults, 3,200 percent increase in vehicular attacks and an 8,000 increase in death threats.
Violence Rises in Minneapolis
A man pays his respects near where a man was shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 24, 2026. Federal immigration agents shot dead a man in Minneapolis on Saturday, officials said — the second fatal shooting of a civilian in the city, sparking fresh protests and outrage from state officials. The death came less than three weeks after US citizen Renee Good was shot and killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer involved in sweeps to round up undocumented migrants. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP via Getty Images)
In the hours after Pretti’s death, protesters clashed with ICE for hours. Most of the collision was captured live and featured agents using non-deadly force while protesters stood their ground.
Cardi B is excited, like most fans, about the upcoming Super Bowl and the Patriots being a contender. But her video celebrating is getting met with backlash! …
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, as well as Sir Ben Kingsley and show co-creator Destin Daniel Cretton spoke to The Root about Marvel’s new show, ‘Wonder Man.’ …
‘Sinners’ director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan are sharing some little-known facts about the fictitious Smokestack Twins. You’ll want to hear this! …
Streamer iShowSpeed recently concluded his Africa tour. And while one moment is going viral, it shouldn’t overshadow the bigger picture of what he’s trying to do. Let’s talk about it! …
A night of celebrating at Sundance for history-making Democrat Maxwell Frost turned into a nightmare when he was reportedly punched in a racist attack …
In July 1968, the world met Franklin, the first Black character in a mainstream comic strip. We’re looking at the letter that inspired the creation of the Peanuts character …
Victor “Kandy Red Bread” Paillet is being held without bond after his ex-girlfriend allegedly found a video of him doing the unthinkable to her toddler …
