Weekend protest safety plan presented by MN National Guard, DPS

(FOX 9) - Following a week of demonstrators protesting ICE agents’ presence in Minnesota, several law enforcement agencies are providing an update on public safety plans ahead of the weekend that could see multiple protests.

A livestream of the press conference can be found in the player above.

Minnesota protest safety plan

What we know:

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Minnesota National Guard and partner agencies are set to provide a "public safety briefing ahead of anticipated weekend demonstrations."

The plan comes after two shootings in Minneapolis involving ICE agents, leading to clashes between protesters and federal authorities.

What they're saying:

"We know that demonstrations include strong emotions, beliefs, and desires to be heard. And it is critical that those voices are expressed safely so that they can be heard. Make no doubt public safety is our top priority. Our focus is keeping demonstrators, community members, drivers, our law enforcement officers safe, especially during moments of heightened tension or uncertainty," Bob Jacobson, commissioner for the Department of Public Safety, said on Friday.

The backstory:

Operation Metro Surge has led to a significant increase in ICE presence throughout Minnesota.

Over the past six weeks, the Trump administration has increased its deployment of federal forces, reaching more than 2,000 agents currently in the state.

Tensions have increased throughout the Twin Cities after an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in south Minneapolis on Jan. 7.

Exactly one week later, a different ICE agent was involved in another shooting, this time non-fatal and in north Minneapolis.

What's next:

President Donald Trump has since threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, which would allow him to send the military to the state.

On Friday, Jan. 16, he walked back that threat, saying there is no reason "right now" to invoke it in Minneapolis.