Thousands of people protested in Minneapolis Saturday following the fatal shooting of a woman by a federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, adding to tensions already heightened by ICE activity in the city. The demonstration was one of many planned across the country in response to the shooting of Renee Good on Wednesday, as well as the shooting of two individuals in Portland, Oregon.

The Minneapolis protest occurred amid heightened anxiety among residents. "We’re all living in fear right now," said Meghan Moore, a Minneapolis mother of two who participated in the Saturday demonstration. "ICE is creating an environment where nobody feels safe and that’s unacceptable."

On Friday night, a protest outside a Minneapolis hotel involving approximately 1,000 people turned violent, according to Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara. Demonstrators reportedly threw ice, snow, and rocks at officers, resulting in minor injuries to one officer struck by ice. O'Hara stated that 29 individuals were cited and released following the incident.

Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged that while most protests had remained peaceful, acts of property damage or endangerment would not be tolerated. He urged demonstrators to express their concerns peacefully.

The recent ICE activity and the fatal shooting have ignited a debate regarding the agency's tactics and its impact on community safety. Critics argue that ICE's enforcement strategies foster fear and distrust, particularly among immigrant communities. Supporters maintain that ICE is fulfilling its duty to enforce immigration laws and maintain national security.

The protests reflect a broader national conversation concerning immigration policy and law enforcement practices. The events in Minneapolis and Portland are likely to intensify calls for greater oversight and accountability regarding ICE operations. Further demonstrations are expected in the coming days, and local officials are preparing for potential unrest while emphasizing the importance of peaceful expression.