Former President Barack Obama has voiced support for demonstrators in Minneapolis who oppose recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Speaking to progressive YouTuber Brian Tyler Cohen on Saturday, Obama highlighted the “unprecedented nature” of the agency’s actions in Minnesota. Obama emphasized the power of citizens to defend their values and urged the next generation to engage actively in democracy. “The answer is going to come from the American people,” he said. “We just saw this in Minnesota, in Minneapolis.” He criticized the ICE actions, saying federal agents in the Twin Cities were deployed without clear guidelines. “They pulled people out of their homes and even used five-year-olds to try to pressure parents,” Obama explained. He added that protesters were teargassed even when they broke no laws. The protests in Minneapolis and St. Paul intensified after the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents. These incidents sparked widespread condemnation and fueled demonstrations against aggressive immigration enforcement. Recently, Tom Homan, the U.S. border enforcement official, announced that the Trump administration would scale back its immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Analysts suggest this move reflects the effectiveness of the protests in drawing public attention to the issue. “Right now, we’re being tested,” Obama said. “What we saw in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and other cities across the country is the American people saying no. A good number of citizens are standing up to live by the values we claim to hold.” The former president also addressed the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Alongside former First Lady Michelle Obama, he called the killings a “heartbreaking tragedy” and a warning that core American values are increasingly at risk. Obama urged continued civic engagement, stressing that public action can influence government decisions. “As long as we have folks doing that, I feel like we’re going to get through this,” he said. The Minneapolis protests represent a growing nationwide movement challenging federal immigration policies. Citizens have mobilized to demand accountability, clearer enforcement standards, and respect for constitutional rights. By highlighting these protests, Obama reinforced the importance of public oversight in a democracy. His remarks also signal a broader political dialogue about the role of federal agencies and civil liberties. Political analysts say Obama’s support could amplify the protests and encourage further national discussion about ICE and federal law enforcement practices. Activists in Minnesota have noted that public attention, including comments from high-profile figures like Obama, may help push for policy changes and prevent similar incidents in the future. The former president’s remarks come at a critical moment as the nation debates the limits of federal power and the rights of citizens to peacefully protest. Minneapolis and St. Paul have become focal points in this ongoing discussion, showing the impact of local activism on national policy. Obama’s endorsement of the anti-ICE demonstrators underscores the influence of citizen-led movements in shaping government actions. It also reflects his broader message that civic engagement is essential for protecting core American principles.