A shocking scene unfolded in downtown Minneapolis Friday night as police officers, including Chief Brian O’Hara, were forced into a full retreat by a surging wave of anti-ICE protesters. Video footage captured the dramatic moment law enforcement abandoned the streets, ceding control to a volatile crowd.
The escalation followed the death of Renee Nicole Good, a prominent activist known for her fierce opposition to federal immigration enforcement. Good’s recent actions, including an attempt to strike an ICE agent with her vehicle, had already ignited tensions in the city.
Independent journalist Nick Sortor, reporting from the heart of the unrest, documented the police withdrawal. His video shows protesters aggressively advancing on officers, their voices filled with demands, as police vehicles sped away from the confrontation.
“Hey chief, why are you letting your city get like this?” Sortor can be heard asking, but his question went unanswered as officers prioritized escape. The area quickly transformed, effectively taken over by groups identifying as leftist anarchists.
The situation deteriorated further as protesters began to establish a self-proclaimed security presence, blocking roadways with vehicles and bodies around the Canopy Hilton. Local police were conspicuously absent, leaving a void in security.
Rioters then turned their attention to hotels suspected of housing ICE agents, storming the buildings without any intervention from law enforcement. Videos emerged showing protesters attempting to break windows and breach doors.
Inside one hotel, the lobby was systematically destroyed as protesters ransacked the space. Reports indicated a complete lack of police response, leaving the building vulnerable to further damage and potential harm.
The unfolding events have left Minneapolis residents facing a disturbing reality, questioning the safety and security of their city. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further unrest and escalating violence.
