MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tension escalated in Minneapolis on Monday as federal officers resorted to tear gas to disperse a gathering of bystanders witnessing the aftermath of a car crash involving immigration agents. This confrontation unfolded just blocks away from the site where a local woman was fatally shot last week during an immigration enforcement operation.
A crowd gathered to witness the questioning of a driver whose car was struck by agents. As the situation intensified, bystanders shouted accusations of cowardice at the agents, who subsequently left the scene. This event follows a weekend marked by intensified immigration enforcement sweeps across the Minneapolis area.
The community is still reeling from the death of Renee Good, 37, who was killed on January 7. Following her death, dozens of protests and vigils were held nationwide, demanding accountability for the immigration tactics employed by authorities.
Shortly after the incident, Minnesota’s attorney general, along with the mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, announced a press conference to address the ongoing immigration operations and the community's concerns.
Witnesses, including Christian Molina, a U.S. citizen, shared their alarming experiences, expressing relief that the situation did not escalate further. Molina, whose vehicle was hit during the crash, expressed frustration regarding the impact on his car and the lack of local police presence during the encounter.
As federal authorities deal with increasing scrutiny and criticism, the Justice Department also reported another shooting incident involving Border Patrol in Portland, Oregon, highlighting the volatile atmosphere surrounding immigration enforcement actions across the country.
