Homeland Security Boosts Presence in Minneapolis Amid Protests

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is deploying “hundreds” more officers to Minnesota following significant protests in Minneapolis in response to the fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration agent. This announcement was made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 11, 2024, during an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures” program. The deployment aims to enhance the safety of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol officials who are already present in the area.

The additional officers are expected to arrive in Minneapolis on Sunday and Monday. Approximately 2,000 federal officers had already been dispatched to the Minneapolis-St. Paul region, marking this operation as one of the largest ever conducted by the DHS. The deployment coincides with over 1,000 rallies planned nationwide to protest the federal government’s deportation policies and the shooting incident involving 37-year-old Renee Good.

Eyewitness accounts and bystander video have led Minnesota officials to describe the shooting as unjustified. They assert that Good’s vehicle was turning away from the agent when he fired. In contrast, Noem and other federal officials maintain that the agent acted in self-defense. They allege that Good, a volunteer with a community network monitoring ICE activities, drove towards the agent after another officer approached her vehicle and instructed her to exit the car.

During a separate appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Noem mentioned that other video footage showed Good protesting against ICE operations earlier that same day. However, she did not confirm if or when this footage would be publicly available.

In light of the incident, Minnesota authorities announced on January 11 that they would initiate their own criminal investigation. This decision follows reports from state law enforcement suggesting that the FBI was not cooperating with state investigators. Tom Homan, White House Border Security Czar, expressed his desire to allow the investigation to unfold, stating, “I truly believe that officer thought his life was in danger to take that action.”

The situation in Minneapolis continues to evolve as community members gather to voice their frustrations over federal immigration enforcement and the circumstances surrounding Good’s death. The response from DHS highlights the administration’s commitment to maintaining order in the face of rising tensions.