US President Donald Trump has hinted at easing tensions in Minnesota following a second fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents, but there were few visible changes on the ground as enforcement operations and protests continued across Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Trump sought to strike a more conciliatory tone by praising Democratic Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey after separate phone calls, saying he shared “a similar wavelength” with the governor and that “progress” was being made with city leaders. He also sent his top border adviser to Minnesota to oversee immigration enforcement.

Despite the rhetoric, activists continued to track and confront federal agents on city streets. Journalists reported aggressive behavior by officers toward the media, including threats of arrest, as protests led to pepper spray use, broken car windows and detentions. Attorney General Pam Bondi said 16 people were arrested Wednesday for interfering with law enforcement.

Fear remains widespread among immigrant communities. Latino business owners said many families are still afraid to leave their homes, and several immigrant-run shops have remained closed for weeks. Community members questioned the credibility of federal agents and their tactics.

Legal scrutiny has intensified as a federal judge warned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over repeated failures to comply with court orders, citing dozens of violations this month alone.

Meanwhile, residents continued to mourn victims of recent violence, with a growing memorial honoring nurse Alex Pretti. Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar accused the administration of using immigration enforcement to intimidate minority communities, saying the approach is rooted in fear rather than public safety.