America First? President Trump - It's time to do something in Minnesota - NEW: Protester Arrested in Tense Confrontation with Federal Agents During Anti-ICE Demonstration in Minneapolis

Protester Arrested in Tense Confrontation with Federal Agents During Anti-ICE Demonstration in Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN — January 8, 2026

A protester was taken into custody Thursday afternoon after physically blocking the path of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commander Gregory Bovino amid escalating anti-ICE demonstrations in Minneapolis, according to eyewitness videos circulating on social media and reports from independent journalists on the scene.

The arrest occurred as federal agents, including Bovino—a prominent figure in the Trump administration's immigration enforcement operations—moved through the city following protests sparked by a fatal shooting the previous day. Video footage shows the demonstrator standing in front of Bovino and accompanying agents, refusing to move, leading to a brief physical confrontation before the individual was detained.

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Twin Cities, where hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building and other sites to decry Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as "ICE out of Minnesota" and "No more ICE," with some clashes involving chemical irritants deployed by federal officers. Local authorities reported at least three arrests during morning protests near the Whipple Building, where crowds attempted to block agents from entering or leaving.

Thursday's demonstrations were a direct response to Wednesday's shooting death of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a U.S. citizen and mother of three, by an ICE officer during an immigration operation in south Minneapolis. Federal officials, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, described the shooting as self-defense, claiming Good attempted to ram agents with her vehicle. However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other local leaders rejected this account as "false," calling the federal presence "reckless" and demanding ICE agents leave the state immediately.

Commander Bovino, a 30-year Border Patrol veteran who has led controversial enforcement surges in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Orleans, arrived in Minneapolis this week to oversee operations. His visible presence on the streets has drawn sharp criticism from protesters and Democratic officials, who accuse federal agents of escalating tensions in immigrant communities.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz urged peaceful protests while placing the National Guard on alert, warning against violence that could "give them a show." Schools in Minneapolis remained closed for a second day as a precaution.

As protests continued into the evening, with vigils and marches reported across the city, authorities warned that obstructing federal law enforcement could result in federal charges. The Department of Homeland Security has deployed over 2,000 agents to the area, reporting hundreds of arrests in recent days as part of the administration's intensified immigration crackdown.

The events in Minneapolis have echoed nationwide, with solidarity demonstrations in cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Investigations into Wednesday's shooting are ongoing, with the FBI taking lead amid disputes over evidence access by state authorities.

17GEN4.com