1.5K Troops on Standby as Protesters Clash in Minneapolis
Are ICE agents enforcing law against violent criminals, or are they attacking innocent neighbors with tear gas and guns?
Above: Protesters are confronted by an ICE supporter during a demonstration in Minneapolis on Jan. 15, 2026. Image credit: Octavio Jones/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
Federal agents enforcing immigration law face violent obstruction from radicalized activists while arresting dangerous criminals with assault records. Arresting anyone who assaults officers is lawful regardless of citizenship, and subpoenas for Minnesota officials who impeded ICE operations prove no one is above the law.
Democratic narrative
Neighborhood volunteers across cities are defending communities against masked federal agents who question American citizens and use tear gas on entire blocks. The death of Renee Good, who carried only a whistle while agents had guns, galvanized hundreds more residents to join rapid response networks protecting neighbors without criminal backgrounds.
