Democrats are trying to make Trump’s problems worse as he deals with a number of already major overseas issues.
Minneapolis has experienced several nights of unrest following a fatal confrontation involving a federal immigration officer and a local woman, drawing national attention and sharp political reactions. Republican leaders say the situation has been made worse by Democrats who, rather than urging calm, have rushed to inflame public anger and point fingers at the Trump administration.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) warned that political rhetoric is escalating tensions at a dangerous moment. Speaking Saturday on Fox & Friends Weekend, Emmer said some Democratic officials and activist groups have contributed to disorder by excusing or downplaying aggressive behavior at protests.
“You don’t have to look very far to see who’s stirring this up,” Emmer said, pointing to protest slogans that included threats toward federal immigration officers. He rejected claims that the demonstrations have remained peaceful, arguing that such language crosses a clear line.
The protests began after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot Wednesday by an ICE officer during an encounter that federal authorities say turned dangerous. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Good attempted to use her vehicle as a weapon against law enforcement personnel, prompting the officer to respond with lethal force.
As demonstrations intensified, federal officials deployed approximately 1,000 additional Border Patrol agents to the Minneapolis area to support local law enforcement and protect federal facilities. Videos circulating on social media have fueled debate over the incident, though authorities stress that investigations must be allowed to proceed before conclusions are drawn.
Democratic leaders in Minnesota have disputed the federal account and called for an independent investigation. Emmer criticized those statements, arguing they were made too quickly and without full knowledge of the facts.
“This was a moment where state leadership should have told people to pause, stay calm, and let the investigation do its job,” Emmer said. He specifically faulted Governor Tim Walz for failing to send an immediate message urging restraint and respect for due process.
Tensions escalated further Friday night when protesters gathered outside a hotel believed to be housing federal agents. Law enforcement officials reported multiple arrests for unlawful assembly after authorities determined the gathering was no longer peaceful and resulted in property damage.
Governor Walz has stated that the National Guard remains on standby should conditions deteriorate further, though he expressed confidence earlier in the week that order would be maintained. For many conservatives, however, the events highlight what they see as a recurring pattern: Democratic leaders condemning law enforcement while giving political cover to radical activism, even during moments of national tragedy.
