Protest in Minnesota after Ice shooting, governor calls National Guard

Protests broke out in Minnesota following the killing of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent, which the Trump administration has been labelling as ‘an act of self-defence’. Ahead of the protests, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan noted that the Minnesota National Guard is on standby “out of an abundance of caution”.

According to a CNN report, protesters were seen chanting slogans and holding signs at the site where Good was shot dead on Wednesday. They are packed tightly on a street corner holding signs, banners and flags. Cars honk as they pass by. One large banner at the front appears to feature a picture of US President Donald Trump.

Dozens also stood near the growing memorial for the victim to pay homage. The formal protests are expected to start at 5:30 pm (CT). It is pertinent to note that the people in Minnesota have the right to hold such demonstrations. Still, the authorities are advising them to do it safely and lawfully to avoid creating hazards, threatening safety or disrupting emergency services.

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The state’s Department of Public Safety outlined a list of lawful ways to “express your views,” including gathering in public areas where pedestrians are allowed, marching or walking — though not on roadways — as well as engaging in chants and speeches and displaying signs.

State National Guard deployed and on standby

Under the state’s list of illegal and unsafe demonstration activities, the agency said protesters should not walk on a freeway, throw objects, start or set a fire, damage property or create graffiti, use illegal fireworks or display or use illegal weapons. “We encourage Minnesotans to rely on official information from local sources as they make plans,” the department said in the advisory.

On Thursday morning, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz authorised the state’s National Guard to help support local law enforcement. “Making sure that folks are demonstrating peacefully is incredibly important. We keep each other safe, and that is what is needed and necessary right now,” Flanagan told CNN.

She noted that so far the demonstrations have been peaceful and emphasised that she understands people are demonstrating because they are angry. “We all saw with our own eyes video footage from, you know, multiple vantage points, and now Donald Trump and Kristi Noem are trying to spin this tale that somehow that’s not exactly what happened,” she said.

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She went on to condemn the Trump administration. Flanagan said the administration’s argument that ICE is in cities to make people safer is “complete and utter baloney.” She echoed other local officials in calling for ICE to leave the state. “They should leave us alone because all we have seen is that they have caused chaos and terror in our communities,” she said. “It’s time to go. Get out.”

When asked if she believes ICE should be abolished, Flanagan didn’t answer directly, but insisted that “how they are acting right now is unconstitutional.” The lieutenant governor said the “current model” of the agency should be “thrown out.” Similar tussles have been taking place in other blue states as the Trump administration continues to tighten its noose on immigration.