Thousands of demonstrators in Minnesota and other cities protest against ICE

Mass protests broke out in Minneapolis and other US cities on Friday after two US citizens were killed during an immigration raid. Students and teachers across the country also organized nationwide school strikes.

The government sent approximately 3,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis area, who are patrolling in tactical gear. This force is several times larger than the local police. The protests quickly spread to dozens of states.

The tension also spread to federal institutions. The acting head of the local FBI branch, which was involved in the operation, was removed from office. At the same time, the Justice Department charged former CNN anchor Don Lemon in connection with the church protest, drawing criticism from media freedom advocates.

Meanwhile, the administration has expanded the powers of immigration agents to arrest people without a court order. This expands the ability of lower-ranking ICE agents to conduct large-scale raids and detain people suspected of illegal residence whom they encounter.

President Donald Trump continues to insist on continuing the operation and rejects calls to limit it, even though public support for his immigration policy is declining, according to polls. Trump has expressed confidence in Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is also responsible for ICE.

(reuters, est)