ICE shifts tactics in Minnesota after weeks of clashes

An internal ICE memo directed officers in Minneapolis to avoid engaging 'agitators' and to focus arrests on people with criminal records, amid weeks of clashes and criticism that the agency has violated federal court orders.

ICE officers in Minneapolis were directed this week to avoid engaging with so-called "agitators" and to concentrate enforcement on immigrants with criminal charges or convictions. The guidance, issued in an internal memo reviewed by Reuters, comes after weeks of daily confrontations between protesters and federal agents. Tom Homan was placed in charge of the enforcement surge in the Twin Cities and was scheduled to address the media following meetings with city and state officials. A federal judge has publicly criticized ICE for not complying with numerous court orders during the operation. Key points: - The internal ICE memo instructs officers to refrain from unnecessary communication or engagement with "agitators" to avoid inflaming situations. - The memo directs officers to target individuals with records of criminal charges or convictions rather than conducting wide street stops to check residency or citizenship. - Tom Homan was installed as the federal official leading the Minneapolis enforcement effort and was scheduled to speak to the press after meeting local leaders. - A U.S. district judge said ICE ignored many federal court orders during the surge and canceled a contempt hearing after the agency released a wrongly detained person. Summary: The memo signals a narrower enforcement posture amid ongoing street confrontations and public scrutiny of ICE actions. Tom Homan's planned press appearance and continuing court scrutiny of the agency are the immediate developments; Undetermined at this time.