Anti-ICE protests across the US, Minnesota in confrontation with the Trump administration

Anti-ICE protests have spread across the US.

Protests against ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) have spread across the US after two US citizens were shot dead by federal agents during an anti-immigration operation in Minnesota. Thousands of people took part in nationwide strikes and protests on Friday (January 30) calling for a ‘no work, no school, no shopping’ program. School boycotts, class cancellations and marches were held in many cities from California to North Carolina and Maine.

Protesters took to the streets in Minnesota for the second consecutive week. The Justice Department announced the opening of a civil rights investigation into the recent shooting death of Alex Pretty by federal agents. Pretty is the second person killed by federal agents in Minnesota this year; Renee Goode was killed earlier. The incidents have sparked a new debate on the enforcement of immigration laws at the national level.

White House border adviser Tom Homan has hinted at reducing the number of agents in Minneapolis, but state and federal authorities have failed to reach an agreement. Governor Tim Walz said actions speak louder than words, and that there has been no real change.

Meanwhile, the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon and journalist Georgia Fort while covering protests at a church has sparked a backlash over media freedoms and freedom of expression.

CNN reports.