Immigration activists and lawyers say Somali residents have been pulled over, asked for their passports and detained by masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents this week after President Donald Trump called the state's Somali immigrants " garbage " that should go back Somalia. "I have been getting calls all day and night from people who should not be at risk," said Cameron Geibnik, a Minneapolis immigration attorney who described talking to naturalized citizens or permanent residents scared of being detained.
While police have not confirmed a motive, Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe in Minneapolis has a massive Pride flag hanging above its door and is known in the community for its inclusive environment. It is also on the same block as the home of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party, though it's unclear whether the suspect knew that.
Cahill noted the impact of toxic politics, stating that the Minneapolis City Council's comments and actions made the trial's environment even more challenging.