Protests continue Thursday in Minneapolis; schools canceled

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(The Center Squares) – Protests continued Thursday after thousands of protesters took to the streets in Minneapolis on Wednesday night, rallying against ICE agents in the community and mourning the death of a woman killed by agents.

According to media reports, demonstrations were planned to start at the Whipple Building in St. Paul, near the area where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcemet has operated in the Twin Cities.

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey continued Thursday to push for the removal of ICE agents, posting on social media the Trump administration’s narrative about the 2,000 federal agents sent to Minneapolis-St. Paul is wrong.

“The Trump admin will tell you ICE is here for safety. That is a lie. They are creating chaos and danger while tearing families apart. Enough. We want them out,” Frey posted on social media on Thursday.

Frey’s comments echoed those of the Minneapolis City Council and Gov. Tim Walz from Wednesday, both saying the presence of ICE is creating chaos and harm to the cities.

On Wednesday, an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good. She was in a roadway where agents were working.

Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary of Homeland Security, said the vehicle was “attempting to run over our law enforcement officers.” She also said the officer feared for his life and fired defensive shots.

City and state leaders challenged that assertion after several videos surfaced showing the incident. 

“Having seen the video myself, I want to tell people directly, that is bulls---,” Frey said at a news conference Wednesday.

An agent struck by her car was treated and released from a hospital.

Following the shooting, Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for the rest of the week.

“Out of an abundance of caution, there will be no school on Thursday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 9 due to safety concerns related to today’s incidents around the city,” the district posted on its website. “MPS will continue collaborating with the City of Minneapolis and other partners.”