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Kristi Noem says more ICE agents could come to Minneapolis, sparking protests

by Alexandra DeYoe, Tyler Church, Owen McDonnell, Sam Hill and Alexis Letang | Published October 24, 2024

During her press conference at the Whipple Building in Minneapolis on Friday, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem encouraged sheriffs, local governments and small towns to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents because Gov. Tim Walz will not. 

Noem addressed the room behind a table piled with zip-tied firearms and several plastic bags of methamphetamine, said to be seized from operations conducted by the agencies. Alongside her stood two signs: both mugshots of men, which read “Arrested: Mexican Child Sexual Assault,” and another read “Arrested: Salvadorian Human Trafficker.” 

Outside of the building, almost a thousand protestors gathered to chant and deliver speeches. After the conference concluded at around 5:30 p.m., most protesters left with a few remaining for follow-on protests.