As of mid-January 2026, Saint Paul and Minneapolis have been scenes of lively demonstrations over recent federal immigration enforcement moves. Thousands of young activists and community members gathered to voice support for immigrant rights and protest what they call 'heavy-handed tactics'.
The U.S. federal authorities and Minnesota’s Democratic-led state government have been trading barbs all week. While federal officials accuse the state of 'obstructing lawful enforcement', Governor Tim Walz’s administration counters that the feds are politicizing immigration at the expense of local communities.
Clashes with law enforcement peaked outside the federal building downtown, where police used crowd-control measures to disperse protestors. Social media has been buzzing with videos of peaceful marches turning tense as tear gas and rubber bullets were deployed.
For young people in South and Southeast Asia, who are no strangers to grassroots movements and debates over migration, these events offer a real-time look at the dynamics between different levels of government in the U.S. It’s a reminder that civic engagement and solidarity can shape the conversation on human rights—whether you’re in Minneapolis, Mumbai, or Manila. 🌎✊
Stay tuned as the protests continue and follow updates on social channels for live reactions and deeper dives.
Reference(s):
Minnesota protests continue as federal, state governments trade accusations
cgtn.com
