Operation Metro Surge, an aggressive deployment of federal ICE and DHS officers in Minneapolis, has sparked widespread protests, legal challenges, and constitutional concerns. Driven by the fatal shooting of local mother Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, the conflict has intensified, with two U.S. Army combat veterans now using their military training to document and expose the agents’ alleged unconstitutional actions, turning the city into a critical case study on federal overreach.
Story Highlights
- Army veterans Azar and Kane document ICE aggression using military training.
- Renee Nicole Good’s shooting by ICE officer sparks outrage and protests.
- Federal agents accused of unconstitutional actions, stirring local and national debate.
- Daily protests persist as DHS plans to increase ICE presence.
Veterans Lead Effort to Document ICE Actions
In Minneapolis, two sisters, both U.S. Army combat veterans, have taken on the task of documenting ICE’s aggressive tactics during Operation Metro Surge. Azar and Kane, using their military training, have focused on peacefully filming and reporting alleged random detentions, assaults, and ICE’s lack of body cameras. Their mission intensified after ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot local mother Renee Nicole Good on January 7, 2026, a tragedy that has galvanized the local community.
The deployment of over 2,000 ICE agents and 600 DHS officers to the Twin Cities has been met with widespread criticism. This operation, initially aimed at investigating daycare fraud among Somali immigrants, has escalated into street patrols and detentions. The tragic incident involving Renee Good has further fueled daily protests outside the Whipple Federal Building, which has become a staging ground for ICE activities. Azar and Kane’s efforts to hold ICE accountable are a testament to their dedication to protecting immigrant communities from perceived unconstitutional actions.
Must see video: A military veteran confronts an ICE agent, calling out the contrast between years of real service and a few weeks of training, and demanding accountability for the violence being carried out under that uniform. Video by @StatusCoup on Blue Sky. pic.twitter.com/XEnnZZMiAl
— WarMonitor (@TheWarMonitor) January 15, 2026
Community Protests and Government Response
In response to the heightened ICE activity, protests have erupted throughout Minneapolis, with demonstrators gathering daily since January 7. The protests have not been without incident; on January 12, federal agents deployed tear gas and rubber bullets after protesters allegedly hurled fireworks. The situation has drawn national attention, with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison labeling the operations as a “federal invasion” and filing a lawsuit alleging constitutional violations.
As tensions rise, the Trump administration, through DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, has announced plans to deploy even more agents. This decision has been met with fierce opposition from local leaders and community members, who see it as an overreach of federal authority. The veterans’ documentation of these events plays a crucial role in providing evidence of what many perceive as unjust and aggressive tactics by ICE.
Impact and Future Implications
The presence of a large federal force in Minneapolis has had significant implications for the local community. The fear of ICE raids has kept many immigrants homebound, disrupting daily life and creating an atmosphere of anxiety reminiscent of the 2020 George Floyd protests. The ongoing legal battles and public outrage could lead to a reevaluation of federal immigration enforcement strategies and their impact on local communities.
Looking ahead, the situation in Minneapolis could serve as a critical case study in the balance between federal enforcement and state rights. As the protests continue, the actions and documentation by Azar and Kane highlight the importance of vigilance and accountability in the face of what many see as federal overreach.
Watch the report: Protester Veteran Calls Out ICE – YouTube
Sources:
Afraid But Undeterred: Minnesota Greets Trump’s ICE Surge with Demonstrations
Army Combat Veterans, Sisters Document ICE Actions in Minneapolis
Federal Agents Deploy Tear Gas, Rubber Bullets at Protesters Outside Minneapolis Federal Building
