ICE Memo Orders Agents to Avoid Engaging with Protesters

Top official reportedly instructs agents not to communicate with "agitators" amid ongoing clashes in Minneapolis

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:23pm

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After weeks of chaotic clashes between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and protesters in Minneapolis, a top ICE official has reportedly sent a memo ordering agents to avoid engaging with demonstrators. The memo, titled "DO NOT COMMUNICATE OR ENGAGE WITH AGITATORS," states that such interactions "serve no purpose other than inflaming the situation" and that "the only communication should be the officers issuing commands."

Why it matters

The reported memo highlights the ongoing tensions between ICE and local communities, particularly in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis, where protesters have clashed with federal agents over immigration enforcement actions. The directive to avoid engagement suggests ICE is seeking to de-escalate the situation, but some residents remain skeptical of the agency's motives and tactics.

The details

According to the report, the memo was issued by a top ICE official in response to the "chaotic clashes" that have occurred in recent weeks between agents and protesters in Minneapolis. The memo instructs agents to avoid communicating or engaging with "agitators," stating that such interactions "serve no purpose other than inflaming the situation" and that "the only communication should be the officers issuing commands." The directive comes as ICE faces ongoing criticism and resistance from local communities over its immigration enforcement efforts.

  • The memo was reportedly issued on Thursday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Tom Homan

Border Czar for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.

Mary

A lifelong Minneapolis resident and owner of Thrifty Nifty, a local business.

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What they’re saying

“I do not want to hear that everything's been done here has been perfect. Nothing's ever perfect. Anything can be improved on. And what we've been working on is making this operation safer, more efficient by the book.”

— Tom Homan, Border Czar (CBS News)

“I'm in fear for my life because I don't know if they're going to be coming for us next.”

— Mary, Local Business Owner (CBS News)

“I really don't trust anything that they're saying about any of this. Everything they're doing is just intimidation and repression tactics to try to get us to stand out of their way, but we're not going to do that, because we know what they're doing is wrong.”

— Neighborhood Watch Participant (CBS News)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.