MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Downtown Minneapolis saw an economic blackout and rally as thousands protested the recent increase of immigration enforcement officers in the city.
Despite facing frigid temperatures, residents took to the streets, calling for ICE agents to leave Minnesota. Many businesses closed, and residents skipped work and school in solidarity, marching towards the Target Center.
The protest aimed to remain peaceful, though arrests were reported. This action followed a press conference by ICE officials about a five-year-old boy detained with his father.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security, clarified the situation, stating, “They’re not being separated. That child is in the least restrictive setting possible. When I say that we’re experts, both Border Patrol and ICE in dealing with immigration cases that involve children, um, probably the most experienced anywhere in the United States by any domestic law enforcement agency.” She continued, “I can say that ICE, DHS and the Department of Justice are wholly committed to maintaining public safety and the rule of law.”
McLaughlin also mentioned that parents are given the option to be removed with their children or have them placed with a trusted person.
In the past six weeks, immigration officers have made about 3,000 arrests in Minnesota. DHS suggests that tensions could ease if state officials allow ICE into detention facilities to deport those currently incarcerated.
