MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in Minneapolis after a second deadly shooting by federal immigration agents, but there was little evidence of any significant changes following weeks of harsh rhetoric and clashes with protesters.
The strain was evident when Trump made a leadership change by sending his top border adviser to Minnesota to take charge of the immigration crackdown. That was followed by seemingly conciliatory remarks about the Minnesota governor and mayor.
Trump stated he and Governor Tim Walz, who he criticized for weeks, were on “a similar wavelength” following a phone call. After a conversation with Mayor Jacob Frey, the president praised the discussion and claimed “lots of progress is being made.”
However, on city streets, there were few signs of a shift. Immigration enforcement operations and confrontations with activists continued in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Protesters followed federal officers on the streets, attempting to monitor their actions closely.
Associated Press journalists witnessed the enforcement operations, during which officers threatened them and attempted to restrict media presence, despite the journalists clearly identifying themselves.
The enforcement extended to the city’s Ecuadorian consulate, leading to heightened tensions among community members. Trump's remark on social media criticized the mayor for not participating in enforcement, stating he was “PLAYING WITH FIRE.”
In other related incidents, tensions flared when a man confronted Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar during a town hall, spraying her with a substance before being tackled by security. The attacker was identified and his past criminal history linked to pro-Trump sentiments raised concerns over escalating threats against public figures.
Omar, unharmed, continued her speech, emphasizing her resolve to not be intimidated. As legal challenges mount against the administration’s crackdown, community members express their frustrations over federal overreach.
