Tensions escalated in downtown Minneapolis on Friday night as protests against federal immigration enforcement turned chaotic, according to videos and social media posts shared by independent journalists on the scene.
Footage circulating online shows Minneapolis police officers — including Police Chief Brian O’Hara — retreating from parts of the downtown area as large crowds advanced toward law enforcement. In several clips, officers appear to leave the immediate area while protesters continue moving forward, shouting demands.
Shooting Sparks Days of Unrest
The unrest follows the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, an anti-ICE activist who was killed during a federal enforcement operation last week. Federal officials have stated that the shooting occurred after Good allegedly attempted to strike an agent with her vehicle, a claim that has been sharply disputed by activists and community members. Her death has sparked days of protests and heightened emotions across the city.
Videos Show Police Repositioning as Crowds Advance
Independent journalist Nick Sortor, who has been reporting from Minneapolis, shared video showing officers repositioning as crowds grew larger. In one recording, Sortor questions city leadership while police vehicles are seen departing the area. No response was given as officers focused on moving away from the advancing crowd.
Claims of Downtown Areas Being Overrun Circulate Online
Sortor later described the scene in a post on social media, claiming police had withdrawn from the area amid mounting pressure from protesters. His remarks have fueled intense online debate over whether law enforcement temporarily lost control of certain downtown streets.
Additional videos posted online appear to show groups of demonstrators targeting hotels they believe are housing ICE agents. In one widely shared clip, individuals can be seen forcing their way into a hotel lobby and causing damage. Commentator Jack Posobiec, who said he was present in Minneapolis, claimed on X that protesters breached the building while police did not immediately intervene.
City officials have not confirmed that law enforcement abandoned control of any neighborhoods, and authorities have yet to release a detailed public account addressing the specific incidents shown in the videos. Investigations into both the shooting and the subsequent protests remain ongoing.
As demonstrations continue, many Minneapolis residents have expressed concern about public safety, accountability, and the growing tension between federal immigration operations and local communities.
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