US cities hold anti-ICE protests during nationwide day of action

January 31, 2026

Following the fatal shootings of two Minneapolis residents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal immigration agents, thousands of demonstrators gathered in cities nationwide to protest immigration enforcement operations. The Justice Department launched a civil rights investigation into Pretti's death, while organizers coordinated a "National Shutdown" encouraging people to boycott work, school, and shopping on January 30th. The controversy stems from Operation Metro Surge, which deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents to Minneapolis under President Trump's direction, though critics contend the operation has swept up migrants without criminal records and U.S. citizens.

Who is affected

Renee Good and Alex Pretti (deceased U.S. citizens shot by federal agents)
Silverio Villegas-Gonzales (killed by ICE agent in September 2025)
Minneapolis and St. Paul residents
Migrants with clean records and U.S. citizens caught up in enforcement operations
Federal immigration agents deployed to Minnesota
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
Protesters participating in nationwide demonstrations

What action is being taken

The U.S. Justice Department is conducting a civil rights investigation into Pretti's death
Approximately 3,000 federal agents are deployed in Minneapolis conducting immigration enforcement
Protesters are demonstrating in multiple cities including Minneapolis, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington DC
Border tsar Tom Homan is leading on-the-ground enforcement efforts in Minneapolis
The Trump administration is continuing Operation Metro Surge

Why it matters

This situation represents a significant conflict between federal immigration enforcement authority and local governance, with the deaths of two U.S. citizens raising serious questions about the scope and methods of immigration operations. The incident has sparked bipartisan criticism from lawmakers and nationwide protests, indicating deep public concern about civil rights violations and federal overreach. The tension between the Trump administration's immigration enforcement priorities and state/local officials' resistance highlights fundamental disagreements about public safety approaches and the treatment of immigrant communities.

What's next

Border tsar Tom Homan has suggested the administration could "draw down" federal forces in Minnesota if local officials cooperate, though he emphasized they are "not surrendering" the mission but rather "doing it smarter." Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino is leaving the area.

Read full article from source: BBC