Democratic Governor Tim Walz has called on Minnesotans to use their phones to document federal officers carrying out immigration enforcement in the state. His appeal comes after the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, 37, by an ICE agent during a January 7 enforcement action in south Minneapolis.
Speaking to the state in a prime-time address on Wednesday evening, Walz called on US President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to “end this occupation. You’ve done enough.
Gov. Walz calls ICE operations ‘Organised Brutality’
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has described the ICE operation in Minnesota as its “largest immigration operation ever.” Authorities said the crackdown will eliminate fraud in social welfare programs, which they link to Somali immigrants.
the former vice-presidential hopeful claimed President Trump “wants this chaos” and urged people not to give him what he wants. Walz encouraged residents to observe and film ICE agents. “Help us establish a record of exactly what’s happening in our communities,” he said. “You have an absolute right to peacefully film ICE agents as they conduct these activities. Carry your phone at all times, and if you see ICE in your neighbourhood, hit record. Help us create a database of the atrocities against Minnesotans, not just to record it for history, but to bank evidence for future prosecution.”
The deployment, which included heavily armed ICE agents, became a national flashpoint after ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot Good during the operation. Walz reassured residents, saying, “We will not have to live like this forever,” and expressed pride in Minnesotans for standing strong during this difficult time.
Since Renee Good’s death on January 7, thousands of people have protested in the Twin Cities. Walz issued a “warning order” for the Minnesota National Guard, keeping troops on standby while urging protesters to remain peaceful.
Other states track Federal agents
Minnesota is not alone in its efforts to document federal immigration actions. Other Democratic-led states targeted by President Trump’s enforcement push have launched similar efforts.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, for example, criticised the federal deployment to Chicago in 2025. He called the operations intimidation and brutality against civilians. He launched the Illinois Accountability Commission to track federal agents’ actions for potential prosecutions. Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot also launched an initiative to “unmask” immigration agents.
Federal authorities, however, have continuously defended their actions. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said agents are enforcing the law and taking all precautions to avoid unnecessary force. “Once again, Governor Pritzker continues to smear law enforcement who are simply enforcing the rule of law and are putting their lives on the line to remove violent criminals from Illinois,” she said at the time.