Videos obtained following a shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis appear to contradict the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) account of events. DHS claims the agent shot Julio Sosa-Celis in self-defense after he was ambushed, but video evidence suggests a different scenario. The videos, including a family member’s frantic account and a livestream, indicate that the person chased may have been another man and that Sosa-Celis was shot while attempting to secure the home. These conflicting accounts, along with other eyewitness statements, raise questions about the details surrounding the incident.
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The FBI has requested that agents from field offices voluntarily travel to Minneapolis for temporary assignments amidst anti-ICE protests and the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good. The assignment specifics are unclear but will likely involve investigating cases of assault on federal officers, as well as vandalism and theft targeting FBI property. The request is currently voluntary, and response has been minimal. This request comes as Minneapolis experiences a large presence of federal immigration personnel, and local officials have called for ICE to leave the city.
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The press has recently softened its criticism of Trump, even when faced with potentially inflammatory actions. Following Trump’s controversial response to a protest, media outlets largely avoided strong condemnation, contrasting with past reactions to similar offenses. This dynamic continued when Steve Bannon initiated a news cycle centered around a potential third term for Trump. Instead of challenging Trump, the media focused on his non-denials, ultimately giving him a platform to subtly promote the idea, while avoiding a direct confrontation.
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White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller made a controversial claim that local and state police in Minneapolis have been ordered to “stand down and surrender” to federal agents. This statement, which contradicts the established legal limitations of federal authority over local law enforcement, seemed to be setting the stage for President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act. The context behind the claim was heightened tensions and protests following the shooting death of a U.S. citizen by ICE agents in Minneapolis and the state’s governor’s encouragement of citizens to document ICE agent abuses. Miller also accused Minnesota state officials of “an insurgency against the federal government,” further escalating the rhetoric.
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Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly rejected a Homeland Security proposal to establish a designated protest zone, emphasizing that First Amendment rights are not confined to specific areas. This disagreement arose amid escalating tensions over federal immigration enforcement operations, with the Justice Department investigating Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for potentially impeding federal agents. The deployment of nearly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents and President Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act further complicated the situation. Despite the ongoing protests and clashes, local authorities continue to call for peaceful demonstrations and are urging ICE to withdraw from the city.
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When immigration enforcement agents arrived at a Minneapolis high school on January 7th, student Lila Dominguez, witnessed the events unfold and immediately began writing about it. The presence of ICE agents and the surrounding chaos prompted the school district to cancel classes and offer remote learning options, impacting student attendance. In response to the growing fear and anxiety, schools are implementing protocols and offering support, but the overall effect is that the situation has disrupted the learning environment in the city. Many students, like Dominguez, are left feeling scared, sad, and angered by the situation.
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Garrison Gibson, age 38, recounted his ordeal with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a recent press conference. He described a terrifying and disorganized week following his arrest on January 11th. Federal immigration agents, wearing masks and carrying heavy weaponry, illegally breached the door of his north Minneapolis home before detaining him. Gibson’s testimony highlighted the distressing nature of the incident.
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A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction, restricting federal officers from retaliating against, arresting, or using nonlethal force on individuals peacefully protesting and observing immigration enforcement operations in the Minneapolis area. The ruling specifically addresses actions related to “Operation Metro Surge,” following a lawsuit from the ACLU-MN on behalf of community members who claimed their constitutional rights were violated by ICE. This decision comes after increased ICE activity in the Twin Cities, including the recent shooting death of legal observer Renee Nicole Good and a request from the plaintiffs’ lawyers for immediate action due to escalating violence. The court also clarified that following ICE vehicles at a safe distance does not constitute reasonable suspicion for a stop.
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Anti-ICE demonstrators chase off outnumbered far-right activists at Minneapolis rally.
Well, it seems like the spirit of Minneapolis is alive and well! Stories like these always bring a smile, and the recent clash between anti-ICE demonstrators and far-right activists certainly paints a vivid picture. Thirty years ago, back when I first arrived in Minneapolis, I recall learning about the city’s history with groups like SHARPS – Skin Heads Against Racial Prejudice. These folks, as I understand, had a firm handle on keeping the local Nazi skinheads from gaining any real foothold. It’s heartening to see that this tradition of standing up to hate continues today.… Continue reading
A Minnesota judge ruled that federal immigration officers in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities. This decision stems from a case filed by six activists who have been observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol activities related to an immigration crackdown. The judge’s ruling prohibits detaining drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction and mandates probable cause or reasonable suspicion for arrests. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement after the ruling stating they would be taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Minneapolis Residents Fight ICE, Defending Democracy
The press has recently softened its criticism of Trump, even when faced with potentially inflammatory actions. Following Trump’s controversial response to a protest, media outlets largely avoided strong condemnation, contrasting with past reactions to similar offenses. This dynamic continued when Steve Bannon initiated a news cycle centered around a potential third term for Trump. Instead of challenging Trump, the media focused on his non-denials, ultimately giving him a platform to subtly promote the idea, while avoiding a direct confrontation.
Read More