Thousands Protest Across US, Demand Withdrawal of ICE Agents

Demonstrations erupt in cities nationwide following fatal shootings by immigration agents in Minneapolis

Jan. 31, 2026 at 7:31am by Ben Kaplan

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Thousands of protesters took to the streets across the United States, demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis earlier this month. The incidents have ignited nationwide outrage and calls for action, with students and teachers abandoning classes from California to New York to join over 250 demonstrations organized in 46 states under the slogan "No work. No school. No shopping. Stop funding ICE."

Why it matters

The protests reflect growing public anger over the actions of ICE and the Trump administration's aggressive immigration crackdown, which has seen a surge in federal immigration enforcement and deportations. The Minneapolis shootings have become a flashpoint, with critics calling for the resignation of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the withdrawal of 3,000 federal officers sent to the area.

The details

Riot police stood in a line with shields as protesters erupted outside the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Los Angeles, with demonstrators moving a shipping container to block the entrance. Hundreds also gathered outside an ICE detention center in Houston to denounce the department's actions. Meanwhile, marches took place through Washington D.C. calling for accountability, with one protester stating: "ICE and litany of other forces have been unleashed as racist and inhumane weapons against our communities. We have seen our neighbors kidnapped off the streets, dragged out of their cars, out of their homes, out of their schools."

  • The protests erupted following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis earlier this month.
  • The demonstrations were organized on January 31, 2026.

The players

Renee Good

A Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by ICE agents earlier this month, sparking the nationwide protests.

Alex Pretti

Another Minneapolis resident who was fatally shot by ICE agents earlier this month, along with Renee Good.

Kristi Noem

The Homeland Security Secretary whose department oversees ICE, and who has faced calls for her resignation from critics.

Donald Trump

The President who has expressed support for the crackdown on immigration, sending 3,000 federal officers to the Minneapolis area.

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What’s next

President Trump has indicated he does not plan to pull back federal immigration enforcement in the Minneapolis area, despite calls for de-escalation from critics.

The takeaway

The nationwide protests reflect the deep divisions and anger over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, with the Minneapolis shootings serving as a flashpoint that has galvanized thousands to take to the streets in opposition to ICE and demand accountability for the agency's actions.