Trump says ‘ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals’ as he defends enforcement and slams Minnesota leaders

US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to defend intensified federal immigration enforcement following a deadly ICE operation in Minneapolis, sharply criticising Minnesota leaders and local backlash while reiterating his hard-line stance on immigration.

In a lengthy post, Trump wrote that “ICE is removing some of the most violent criminals in the World from our Country, and bring them back home, where they belong.” He questioned why Minnesota officials were resisting these efforts and urged them to stop what he characterised as protection of violent offenders.

“Why is Minnesota fighting this? Do they really want murderers and drug dealers to be ensconced in their community?” Trump wrote, framing the debate around crime and public safety.

Trump also cast protesters opposed to ICE raids in a negative light, calling them “highly paid professional agitators and anarchists” and accusing state politicians of using unrest to divert attention from alleged political scandals.

“The crooked Governor and ‘Congresswoman’ Omar, who married her brother, don’t mind because it keeps the focus of attention off the 18 Billion Dollar, Plus, FRAUD, that has taken place in the State! Don’t worry, we’re on it!” Trump posted.

The Truth Social message came amid escalating tensions in Minneapolis, where the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renée Nicole Good during a federal immigration enforcement operation sparked protests and national debate over ICE tactics and use of force.

The incident has drawn widespread criticism, with Reuters and other outlets reporting that federal agents were deployed in larger numbers as the Trump administration pushes a sweeping enforcement initiative in major cities, including Minneapolis and New York.

Public opinion in the US has also shown deep divisions over the incident. A recent national poll found a majority of Americans saying the ICE agent’s shooting was unjustified and inappropriate, with many expressing concern about public safety implications of the enforcement actions.

The unrest has drawn federal warnings as well. Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy US military forces if local authorities do not curb protests against ICE and federal agents — a move that underscores the administration’s tough rhetoric as demonstrations continue.

Locally in Minneapolis, protests have persisted and drawn broad community engagement, with some city officials and residents demanding ICE leave the region and calling for accountability. A federal agent shot another individual in the city during a subsequent enforcement operation, heightening tensions further.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates