Federal immigration agents in Minnesota have begun using a chilling new phrase while confronting members of the public, in the wake of last week's fatal shooting of a mother-of-three. The development comes as tensions escalate dramatically across the state.
A Sinister New Catchphrase Emerges
In a series of videos that have surfaced in recent days, officers from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can be heard threatening peaceful protesters. The agents tell individuals to stop following them or to comply with their demands, using variations of the phrase "have you not learned?".
This language is a direct reference to the killing of Renee Good on a Minneapolis street last Wednesday. Ms Good was shot three times by an ICE officer as she attempted to manoeuvre her car around him and drive away. She died at the scene.
Despite video evidence indicating she posed no threat, officials loyal to former President Donald Trump have branded her a "domestic terrorist" and defended the agent's actions as self-defence. The incident has triggered a wave of outrage and protest.
Legal Repercussions and a Major Lawsuit
The fallout from the shooting has been significant within the legal establishment. At least five federal prosecutors have resigned in protest over the Justice Department's handling of the case. Among them is First Assistant US Attorney Joe Thompson, who was leading major fraud prosecutions in Minnesota.
In response to the ongoing federal surge, the state of Minnesota, joined by the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday. They seek to halt or limit the deployment of more than 2,000 additional immigration officers pledged by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The lawsuit argues that Homeland Security is violating constitutional protections, including the First Amendment, by targeting a progressive, Democrat-leaning state that welcomes immigrants. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the impact, stating, "What we are seeing is thousands — plural — thousands of federal agents coming into our city. And, yeah, they’re having a tremendous impact on day-to-day life." A judge has scheduled a status conference for Wednesday.
Confrontations Continue as DHS Vows Not to Back Down
Amid the legal battle, confrontations on the ground have intensified. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, responding to the lawsuit, accused Minnesota officials of ignoring public safety. The agency claims to have made more than 2,000 arrests in the state since early December and vows to continue its operations.
Last night, ICE agents deployed tear gas and sprayed eye irritant at activists during another day of clashes. The political atmosphere remains highly charged, with students at a suburban school staging a walkout to protest the ongoing immigration raids.
The situation in Minnesota represents a critical flashpoint in US immigration policy, combining tragic loss of life, aggressive federal tactics, and a mounting constitutional and political struggle.
