On January 12, 2026, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed concerns regarding the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who have been accused of violating the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This amendment protects individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring law enforcement to have probable cause before conducting searches or detaining individuals.

During a press briefing, Noem asserted that ICE officers operate within the law and adhere to established protocols. However, this assertion contrasts with numerous reports and eyewitness accounts documenting aggressive behavior by ICE agents, particularly in Minneapolis, where state officials have initiated legal action against the federal government for alleged constitutional violations.

Recent incidents include the fatal shooting of Renee Good, an American woman, by an ICE officer, and reports of agents forcibly entering homes without judicial authorization. Additionally, there have been multiple accounts of agents detaining individuals in public spaces without clear legal justification, raising significant concerns about civil liberties and community safety.

Representative Ilhan Omar, who represents a district in Minneapolis, expressed alarm over the pervasive fear experienced by residents due to ICE's presence. She highlighted that agents are reportedly targeting individuals based on their appearance or ethnicity, raising questions about the legality and ethics of such practices.

In response to inquiries about the legality of ICE's actions, Noem maintained that the agency is operating correctly, despite ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges. The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a class-action lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging violations of the Fourth Amendment related to racial profiling and unlawful detentions.

In a separate incident, a law enforcement operation by ICE resulted in the shooting of a suspected undocumented immigrant from Venezuela after he attempted to evade arrest. Local reactions have been polarized, with some community members, supported by certain elected officials, actively opposing law enforcement efforts. Minnesota State Senator Bobby Champion indicated that he did not view the actions of local residents in resisting arrest as problematic, emphasizing the need for fair treatment of residents.

The situation in Minneapolis has escalated tensions, with President Donald Trump indicating a willingness to deploy military forces to address protests against ICE's actions. Noem confirmed that there are no plans to withdraw federal agents from the area, further complicating the already fraught relationship between local communities and federal enforcement agencies.