The Trump administration said it will send hundreds more federal officers to Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the additional personnel are needed to support ongoing immigration enforcement operations and ensure agent safety.
The deployment follows nationwide protests against federal immigration tactics sparked by Good’s death in south Minneapolis.ss during an enforcement action, triggering outrage among local officials and residents.
Federal authorities claimed the agent acted in self-defence, but eyewitnesses and video footage dispute that account.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators have rallied in Minneapolis and other cities calling for ICE to leave the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz have criticised the federal response and questioned the justification for the use of force.
Senator Tina Smith accused the Trump administration of attempting to cover up details of the shooting amid ongoing controversy.
The FBI has taken over the investigation, limiting state access to evidence and fuelling concerns about transparency.
Noem warned that obstruction of federal operations could lead to legal consequences for those interfering with enforcement efforts.