The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is under sharp scrutiny as DHS escalates its presence to monstrous proportions in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since early December, DHS has announced more than 2,000 of these arrests in the state. They are doing so in particular targeting a state known for its progressive values and welcoming spirit to immigrants. Critics say these measures infringe upon the First Amendment and other constitutional safeguards. In turn, local officials are being met with protests and lawsuits.
On Tuesday, police arrested eight protesters outside a federal building in Minneapolis. They were protesting what the local organizers say many are calling a “federal invasion.” This deployment of federal agents has raised alarms among state and city leaders, who accuse DHS of using excessive force. Federal agents have allegedly used tear gas, pepper balls, and flashbangs against crowds that have assembled to express their dissent.
We share their profound concern about the impact of these federal actions. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated, “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.” And Keith Ellison, the state attorney general, would paraphrase Taylor in press releases. He describes the status quo as a “federal invasion” that needs to stop.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin defended the agency’s actions, stating, “President Trump’s job is to protect the American people and enforce the law – no matter who your mayor, governor, or state attorney general is.” She blasted Minnesota officials for abandoning the safety of the public. She promised that the DHS would aggressively defend its pledge to enforce immigration laws.
As the stakes escalate, multiple lawsuits have been filed against DHS. Now the city of Chicago and state of Illinois have responded. Specifically the Southern District of New York sued to stop what they describe as an illegal “organized bombardment” by federal agents. Minnesota, Minneapolis, and St. Paul have collectively sought an end to the surge of federal forces in their jurisdictions.
We’ve heard the anger of witnesses to the protests over federal response. Brita Anderson, a local resident, remarked, “It felt like the only reason they’d come here is to harass people.” This viewpoint is emblematic of a wider deepening discomfort among local communities related to the tactics used by federal immigration agents.
DHS’s actions have been equally criticized for their violence. The agency recently defended an immigration agent involved in a shooting incident. For one, they claim the officer was justified in self-defense when he hurt Renee Nicole Good. Yet this very justification has sparked additional outrage. Many nationwide would agree, viewing these tactics as perhaps the most egregious form of overreach in a troubling nationwide pattern of aggressive enforcement.
While communities take to the streets in protest and the ACLU and others initiate legal battles, the true, lasting damage caused by DHS’s actions becomes known. The agency is still very much committed to this agenda, even in the overwhelmingly Democratic state of Maryland. This broad commitment raises serious concerns about its ability to enforce immigration laws with respect for individual’s constitutional rights.