Klobuchar says "city has been under siege" after federal agents shoot, kill man in Minneapolis

Minneapolis Safety Update & Federal ICE Operations – Press Conference Summary

Key Concepts:

• Operation Metro Surge: The increased deployment of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and Border Patrol agents in Minnesota.
• Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): A legal request to halt Operation Metro Surge immediately.
• Vehicle Exclusionary Zone: A designated area established by the Minneapolis Police Department to restrict vehicle traffic and reduce escalation risks.
• De-escalation: Law enforcement strategies focused on minimizing conflict and maintaining peace.
• Mutual Aid: Assistance provided by neighboring law enforcement jurisdictions.
• Less Lethal Munitions: Non-fatal weapons used for crowd control (e.g., gas munitions).
• BCA (Bureau of Criminal Apprehension): Minnesota’s state-level investigative agency.

I. Current Situation & Immediate Response

The City of Minneapolis is responding to a shooting incident and escalating tensions caused by the presence of ICE and Border Patrol agents (collectively referred to as “federal agents”) as part of “Operation Metro Surge.” A declaration is being filed to encourage a judge to rule on a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on Monday, aiming to halt the operation. The Minneapolis Police Department (MPD), with approximately 600 officers, is currently stretched thin, with days off cancelled and officers working tirelessly. Assistance is being sought from both mutual aid jurisdictions and the Minnesota National Guard. The situation is described as volatile and emotional, with a focus on de-escalation and maintaining peace. Currently, the situation is stable but remains peaceful.

II. Law Enforcement Actions & Safety Plans

Chief O’Hara detailed recent events where law enforcement officers were surrounded by protesters and agitators who engaged in unlawful acts, including erecting barricades, throwing objects, and starting fires. In response to escalating violence and risks to public safety, state and local law enforcement deployed less lethal munitions and gas to create safe egress for officers and prevent further damage. A vehicle exclusionary zone has been established in the affected area to manage traffic, ensure access for emergency vehicles, and reduce escalation risks. This zone is being maintained by MPD officers alongside National Guard members, who are identifiable by fluorescent yellow vests. Additional support is being provided by the Minnesota State Patrol, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, St. Paul Police, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and numerous Hennepin County suburban police departments. The primary priority remains protecting life and maintaining public safety.

III. Criticism of Federal Operations & Calls for ICE Removal

Elected officials strongly condemned the actions of ICE and Border Patrol, attributing the escalating chaos directly to their presence. They highlighted that the 3,000 federal agents deployed outnumber the combined sworn officers of Minneapolis and St. Paul police departments by a ratio of 3:1, and exceed the total number of officers in ten metropolitan police departments. Two recent deaths – Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Prey, a 37-year-old Minneapolis nurse and US citizen – are directly linked to these operations. The officials are calling for ICE to be removed from Minnesota, arguing that their presence is making communities less safe. They cited instances of ICE agents operating outside the scope of fraud investigations or apprehending violent offenders, extending their reach into suburbs and rural areas. The officials opposed recent ICE funding increases (currently exceeding the FBI budget at $75 billion) and criticized reduced agent training (from 5 months to 47 days).

IV. Congressional Response & Investigation Demands

Members of Congress expressed outrage and called for a full and transparent investigation into the shootings, preferably led by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). They criticized the Trump administration for labeling Alex Prey a “domestic terrorist” despite his profession as a nurse. They also urged Republican colleagues to join their call for ICE removal and to condemn the escalating violence. Specific examples of ICE overreach were cited, including the wrongful detention of individuals and the separation of families. Concerns were raised about the lack of accountability and the potential for further violence. Senator Smith emphasized the need for immediate action to stop Operation Metro Surge and protect communities.

V. Community Support & Emphasis on Peaceful Protest

The Mayor praised the community’s response, highlighting the efforts of community service officers delivering food to families, and the peaceful protests organized by residents. She emphasized the importance of maintaining peaceful demonstrations and avoiding escalation, stating, “Let’s not counter Donald Trump’s chaos with our own version of chaos here.” She acknowledged the anger and trauma experienced by communities and expressed condolences to the victims’ families. The Mayor reiterated the city’s commitment to protecting its residents and standing up for immigrant communities.

VI. Data & Statistics Mentioned:

• Minneapolis Police Department Officers: Approximately 600
• Federal Agents Deployed: 3,000 (ICE & Border Patrol)
• Federal Agent to Local Officer Ratio (Minneapolis & St. Paul): 3:1
• Recent Homicides in Minneapolis: 3, with 2 attributed to ICE operations.
• ICE Funding: Exceeds $75 billion, surpassing the FBI budget.
• ICE Agent Training: Reduced from 5 months to 47 days.

VII. Notable Quotes:

• Mayor Fry: “This city has been under siege.”
• Senator Smith: “Federal agents beat and then shot multiple times and killed 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Prey, a US citizen, a Minneapolis resident, and a VA nurse.”
• Representative McCullum: “It didn't have to be that way.”
• Representative Morrison: “We cannot lose any more lives.”
• Mayor Fry: “The answer better be yes [to whether federal agents will abide by a court order].”

VIII. Synthesis & Conclusion

The situation in Minneapolis is critical, driven by escalating tensions stemming from the increased presence of federal agents and recent tragic shootings. Local officials and members of Congress are united in their condemnation of ICE’s actions and are demanding its removal from the state. The focus remains on de-escalation, maintaining public safety, and supporting the community. The call for a transparent investigation and the potential for legal action through a Temporary Restraining Order underscore the urgency of the situation and the need for a swift resolution to prevent further violence and protect the rights of residents. The core message is that the federal government’s actions are exacerbating the problem and undermining public safety, and a change in strategy is urgently needed.