US Officials Investigate Minnesota ICE Protest Disrupting Church Service
Recent protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota have prompted federal investigations into local officials. The U.S. Department of Justice announced inquiries into Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz. Both officials, members of the Democratic Party, have criticized federal immigration actions in their jurisdiction.
Background of the Protests
Protests escalated following the shooting of a local mother, 37-year-old Good, by an ICE agent on January 7. Good was a U.S. citizen and mother of three, reportedly observing ICE activities when the incident occurred. While local authorities condemned the shooting, the Trump administration offered a starkly different narrative, labeling her as a “domestic terrorist” and asserting that the agent acted in self-defense.
Recent Investigations
- Investigating Officials: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
- Investigating Officials: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
- Date of Incident: January 7
These events contribute to a growing tension between local leaders advocating for immigrant rights and federal agencies enforcing immigration laws.
Additional Concerns at ICE Detention Centers
Adding to the outcry, reports indicate that a third undocumented immigrant has died in an ICE detention facility in Texas over a 44-day span. Victor Manuel Diaz, a 36-year-old from Nicaragua, was detained in Minneapolis earlier this month. His death has been labeled a presumed suicide, though the official cause remains under investigation.
Recent Deaths in Custody
- Victor Manuel Diaz: 36 years old, presumed suicide
- Lunas Campos: 55 years old, attempted suicide
Tricia McLaughlin from the Department of Homeland Security commented on the alarming trend of deaths in custody, emphasizing the ongoing investigations into these incidents. This situation reflects the broader issues surrounding the treatment of immigrants and the enforcement of U.S. immigration policies.
