The FBI is requesting agents from across the United States to volunteer for temporary duty in Minneapolis, according to sources familiar with the situation. In recent days, the bureau sent messages to agents nationwide seeking volunteers for temporary transfer to the city, the sources said.

The messages did not specifically mention the escalating anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in the city, nor did they detail the specific assignments the agents would undertake, the sources added. The Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have already been increasing their presence in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis has become a focal point for anti-ICE protests following the Jan. 7 shooting death of Renee Good by an officer while she was in her car. It remains unclear what specific tasks the volunteering FBI agents will be assigned. Traditionally, FBI agents focus on national security matters, including counter-terrorism, organized crime, and high-profile violent crimes.

FBI Director Kash Patel and US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche visited Minneapolis on Friday, according to a post shared on Patel's X account. In the post, Patel stated that the FBI was cracking down on violent crime.

The increased federal presence and the call for FBI volunteers come amid growing concerns about civil unrest and potential threats to federal property. The situation highlights the complex interplay between federal law enforcement and local communities, particularly in the context of politically charged protests. The FBI's involvement raises questions about the appropriate role of federal agencies in addressing local issues and the potential impact on civil liberties. The coming weeks will likely reveal more about the specific nature of the FBI's mission in Minneapolis and its long-term implications.