By Desmond Nleya
Protesters took to the streets in Minneapolis on Thursday, demanding that federal immigration agents withdraw from local communities as enforcement operations continue across Minnesota.
The demonstrations come amid heightened federal immigration efforts linked to President Donald Trump’s campaign policies. Activists and community leaders have raised concerns about the presence and conduct of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers and other federal agents operating in the state.
In Washington, the political battle over immigration enforcement is escalating. Democratic lawmakers are threatening to block funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when its current budget expires in two weeks. They are calling for what they describe as “dramatic changes” and “real accountability” in how ICE and other federal law enforcement agencies conduct operations nationwide.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has dismissed the Democrats’ proposals as “unrealistic,” warning that the Department of Homeland Security could face a shutdown as early as next week if an agreement is not reached. Thune urged Democrats to negotiate with Republicans and the White House to prevent a funding lapse.
The standoff sets up a tense deadline in Congress, with DHS funding hanging in the balance while protests continue on the ground in Minnesota.
