Federal immigration enforcement continued across Minnesota on Saturday as large protests took place locally and nationwide for a second consecutive week. Demonstrations opposing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown were held across the country, with Minnesota at the center of the most intense enforcement activity.
In Minneapolis, thousands again marched through city streets following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during encounters with federal immigration agents, as well as other reported aggressive actions linked to Operation Metro Surge.
Below are key developments from Saturday:
2:35 p.m. — Judge orders release of 5-year-old Columbia Heights boy
A federal judge ordered the release of 5-year-old Liam Ramos and his father from a detention facility in Texas following their arrest by immigration agents earlier this month in Columbia Heights.
In the ruling, the judge sharply criticized the federal government’s enforcement tactics, writing that the case stemmed from “an ill-conceived and incompetently implemented pursuit of daily deportation quotas,” even when such actions traumatize children.
2:25 p.m. — Sit-in protest at downtown Target
Demonstrators staged a sit-in at a downtown Minneapolis Target store, one of roughly 20 planned protests at Target locations across Minnesota. Protesters called on the retailer to publicly oppose immigration enforcement actions and cut ties with federal agencies.
2:10 p.m. — Protest activity at Richfield Target
More than 100 demonstrators gathered at a Target store in Richfield, holding signs and chanting demands for corporate accountability related to immigration enforcement.
1:50 p.m. — Police clear street blockade in south Minneapolis
Community members established a street blockade and what organizers described as an “anti-ICE filter” at Cedar Avenue South and 34th Street East.
Shortly before noon, Minneapolis police officers ordered protesters to dismantle the blockade, citing safety concerns and the need to keep routes clear for emergency vehicles.
1:20 p.m. — Continued demonstrations at Richfield Target
Protest activity continued at the Richfield Target location, with demonstrators urging the company to take a stronger stance against federal immigration operations in Minnesota.
11:40 a.m. — Judge denies request to halt Operation Metro Surge
A federal judge denied Minnesota officials’ request for a temporary restraining order that would have paused Operation Metro Surge, allowing the large-scale immigration enforcement operation to continue while the broader legal challenge proceeds.
11:05 a.m. — Early ICE activity lighter than midweek
Community monitoring reports indicated that immigration enforcement activity appeared lighter Saturday morning compared to earlier in the week. Arrests were reported in Inver Grove Heights and Rochester, along with a traffic stop involving federal agents in Farmington.
10:45 a.m. — Local police intervene in federal detainment
In St. Peter, the city’s police chief intervened after federal immigration agents detained a local resident who was observing agents from her vehicle.
The woman was forcibly removed from her car by agents, who reportedly said they did not have a warrant. After intervention by local police leadership, the woman was released. The incident is believed to be the first known case in Minnesota of a local police department halting a federal immigration detainment during Operation Metro Surge.
Developments overnight
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the strain placed on local law enforcement by the surge of federal agents, comparing the constant use of emergency channels to the conditions seen during major sporting events or late-night bar closings.
He also criticized President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Somali residents, calling them “disgusting” and saying it was “crazy that the president is saying that.”
Late Friday, community members gathered on the frozen surface of Bde Maka Ska, forming a large “SOS” with lanterns visible from the air. The location sits beneath a major flight path for planes landing at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.