You’ve probably seen the grainy cell phone footage by now. Smoke hanging over Minneapolis. Flashbangs echoing through the Twin Cities. It feels like 2020 all over again, but the fuel for the fire this time is different. If you’re looking for the truth about the riots today in us, you have to look past the talking heads and into the specific, localized tragedies that sparked a national powder keg.
Honestly, the situation is messy. It isn’t just one thing. It’s a collision of a massive federal immigration surge and a single, fatal moment in a Minneapolis neighborhood that changed everything for a family and, eventually, the country.
The Spark: What’s Actually Happening in Minneapolis?
The centerpiece of the unrest is the death of Renee Nicole Good. She was a 37-year-old mother of three, a poet, and a wife. On January 7, 2026, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent shot her in the head during a confrontation. The federal government calls it self-defense. The neighborhood calls it murder.
This wasn't a random stop. It was part of "Operation Metro Surge," a DHS-led effort to crack down on what the administration calls "criminal illegal aliens." But Renee Good was a U.S. citizen.
The disconnect is staggering.
Since that shooting, Minneapolis has become a literal battleground. Just yesterday, January 13, federal officers were dropping tear gas and pepper balls on activists. Students in Brooklyn Park walked out of their classrooms. People are screaming.
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Why the "No-Sleep" Protests Are Different
In downtown Minneapolis, protesters have adopted a new tactic. They are surrounding hotels—like the Hilton—where they believe the 2,000 newly deployed federal agents are staying. They aren’t just marching; they are making noise all night. It’s a "no-sleep" protest designed to ensure the agents feel the same exhaustion and fear that the community feels.
It’s loud. It’s chaotic. And it’s spreading.
Riots Today in US: It's Not Just Minnesota
While Minneapolis is the epicenter, the rage is bubbling over in other cities too. In Portland, things took a dark turn when Border Patrol agents shot two people on January 8. The DHS claimed the targets were members of the Tren de Aragua gang, but local officials—including Congresswoman Maxine Dexter—have slammed the "authoritarian" tactics being used on their streets.
Look at the map. You’ll see:
- Kansas City: Thousands gathered to march for Renee Good.
- Boston and Philadelphia: Hundreds marched from city halls to federal buildings, often clashing with police who are caught between federal orders and local outrage.
- Los Angeles: A U-Haul truck actually drove into a crowd of protesters recently, injuring people and leading to a near-riot as the crowd swarmed the vehicle.
The tension is thick enough to cut with a knife. Basically, you have a federal government that has doubled down on its "mass deportation" agenda and a group of "sanctuary" city leaders who are literally suing to stop what they call a "federal invasion."
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The Legal Civil War Inside the Government
This isn't just a fight in the streets. It's a fight in the offices. Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota quit their jobs yesterday. Why? Because the Department of Justice refused to launch a civil rights investigation into Renee Good’s death. Instead, the DOJ wants to treat the investigation as an "assault on a federal officer" case.
Think about that. The lawyers whose job it is to enforce the law are walking out because they feel the law is being twisted.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Governor Tim Walz have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to halt the surge of agents. They’re arguing that the federal government is overstepping its constitutional bounds. Meanwhile, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is firing back, claiming that "sanctuary politicians" are the ones creating the danger by refusing to cooperate with ICE.
The "Red-Washing" and Media Bias Misconception
You've probably noticed that depending on what channel you watch, these are either "peaceful vigils" or "violent insurgencies." The truth is somewhere in the middle.
There is real violence. DHS reported a massive spike in assaults against ICE officers—claims of a 1,300% increase. They cite snipers in Dallas and groups opening fire on detention centers. On the flip side, you have videos of agents in unmarked Jeeps spraying "orange irritant" at random people and driving away.
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Both things are happening at the same time.
What People Get Wrong About the Agitators
There’s a lot of talk about "outside agitators." While it's true that some organized groups are moving between cities, much of what we see in the riots today in us is deeply local. It’s neighbors with orange whistles blowing them every time they see a tactical vest. It's parents at school board meetings. It's a grassroots "howling of hymns," as poet Amanda Gorman put it in her tribute to Good.
What Happens Next?
This isn't going to blow over by tomorrow. The federal government is planning to send more agents, not fewer. The "ICE Out for Good" campaign is planning actions in all 50 states.
If you're trying to stay safe or understand the trajectory, here are the cold, hard realities to keep in mind:
- Watch the Curfews: In cities like Minneapolis, local mayors and federal authorities are often at odds about when and where people can be. Check local city government feeds, not just national news.
- Verify the Footage: Viral videos often lack context. The "man hit by a police car" in Memphis recently was debunked by dashcam footage showing he faked the impact. Verify before you share.
- The Funding Deadline: Keep an eye on the upcoming federal funding deadline. Some Democrats in Congress are already threatening to shut down the government unless restraints are put on ICE.
- Local Lawsuit Outcomes: The outcome of the Minnesota vs. DHS lawsuit will set the precedent for whether other states can legally kick federal agents out of their jurisdictions.
The situation is evolving by the hour. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially near federal buildings or ICE processing centers, as these remain the primary flashpoints for the unrest.
Actionable Insights for Navigating the Unrest:
- Monitor Real-Time Feeds: Use apps like Signal or Telegram groups specific to your city to get local, ground-level updates on street closures and active protests.
- Document Everything: If you witness a confrontation, record it from a safe distance. Legal teams like the ACLU often rely on bystander footage when federal agencies refuse to release their own.
- Check Official Travel Advisories: If you are traveling to the Twin Cities or Portland, review the latest city-specific safety alerts regarding downtown zones.
- Follow the Courtroom: Watch for the injunction ruling in the Minnesota federal court case; it will determine if the 2,000 agents stay or go.