are there riots in minneapolis

There are currently large protests and some clashes with law enforcement in Minneapolis, but reports so far describe them as demonstrations that have at times turned tense and chaotic rather than sustained, city‑wide “riots.”

What is happening now

• Protests began after a 37‑year‑old woman, Renee Nicole Good, was shot and killed by an ICE agent during a federal operation in South Minneapolis in early January 2026.

• Hundreds of people have gathered near the shooting scene, chanting slogans like “Shame!” and “ICE out of Minnesota,” and confronting local and federal officers.

Are they being called “riots”?

• Some media and political figures are using strong language to describe the scene, referring to it as “explosive” or like a “war zone,” with riot police, barricades, and arrests.

• However, the core activity is organized protest, with anger focused on the shooting and on ICE, and most accounts emphasize demonstrations and crowd‑control measures rather than widespread looting or city‑wide arson like in 2020.

Police and government response

• Law enforcement has deployed a heavy presence, including officers in riot gear and the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and other crowd‑control tactics against some protesters.

• Minnesota’s governor has said the National Guard is preparing to assist if needed to protect property and maintain public safety, though full deployment decisions can change quickly.

How this compares to past unrest

• Minneapolis experienced major riots and widespread damage during the 2020–2023 racial justice protests after the killing of George Floyd, which set a benchmark many locals compare current events against.

• Current unrest is geographically more concentrated near the shooting site, but tensions are high because the location is close to areas already traumatized by previous violence and protests.

If you are in or near Minneapolis

• Check very recent local news, city alerts, and transit updates to see which neighborhoods or intersections are currently affected.

• Avoid active protest zones if you do not need to be there, and follow any safety guidance from local authorities or community organizations.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.