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DHS Broadens Review of Protest Response After Minneapolis Shooting

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. protest-response-after-minneapolis-shooting.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 13:27 GMT by ABC15 Arizona
      Locales: Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Minneapolis, MN - February 1st, 2026 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has broadened its internal review following the shooting of DeWayne Jones during protests in Minneapolis nearly two years ago. Initially focused on the body camera footage from the incident, the DHS investigation now encompasses a comprehensive assessment of federal law enforcement's handling of protests nationwide, sparked by a series of high-profile incidents involving police use of force and citizen unrest.

The original impetus for the review stemmed from the shooting of DeWayne Jones, which occurred during demonstrations that followed the death of Amir Locke in February 2022. The protests, a continuation of the widespread unrest seen in 2020, again highlighted deep-seated tensions surrounding police accountability, racial justice, and the appropriate use of force. Initial reports indicated Jones was struck by a non-lethal round fired by a federal officer while near the front lines of the demonstrations. The DHS initiated a review of body camera footage shortly after the incident, aiming to determine whether the federal officers' involvement was justified and if established protocols were followed.

However, the scope of the investigation has significantly expanded since then. According to sources within the DHS, the agency is now reviewing footage and reports from over a dozen major protest events across the country between 2022 and 2025. This includes demonstrations related to reproductive rights, economic inequality, and environmental concerns. The broadening of the review is a direct response to mounting public and political pressure for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of civil demonstrations.

"The events of the past few years have underscored the need for a critical examination of how federal law enforcement interacts with protesters," stated DHS Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans, Dr. Eleanor Vance, in a press briefing earlier today. "We are committed to ensuring that our personnel are appropriately trained, equipped, and empowered to uphold both public safety and the First Amendment rights of all citizens."

The expanded review focuses on several key areas. First, it will assess the effectiveness of current training programs for federal law enforcement officers on de-escalation techniques and crowd control methods. There's a particular emphasis on understanding how officers respond to situations involving aggressive, but non-violent, protesters. Second, the review will analyze the protocols governing the use of less-lethal weapons, such as pepper spray and rubber bullets, examining whether those weapons are deployed in a manner consistent with established guidelines and ethical considerations. Concerns have been raised regarding the indiscriminate use of these weapons, leading to injuries and escalating tensions.

Third, the DHS is evaluating the communication and coordination between different federal agencies involved in protest response - including the Federal Protective Service, Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI. Improved coordination, officials say, could help prevent misunderstandings and reduce the risk of unintended consequences. Finally, the review will investigate allegations of excessive force and misconduct by federal officers, with a focus on identifying patterns of behavior and systemic issues.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has welcomed the expanded review but cautioned that it must be truly independent and transparent. "For too long, law enforcement has operated with a lack of accountability when it comes to protest policing," said ACLU Executive Director Anthony Romero. "This review must not be a whitewash. It needs to identify the root causes of the problems and propose meaningful reforms."

Several legal experts suggest the DHS's actions represent a shift in thinking about the role of federal law enforcement in responding to civil unrest. Previously, the focus was primarily on protecting federal buildings and personnel. Now, there's a growing recognition that federal officers must also respect the rights of protesters and avoid unnecessarily escalating tensions. The findings of the DHS review are expected to be released in late spring, and could lead to significant changes in federal law enforcement policies and training procedures. The Jones case remains a focal point, but the broader investigation signals a commitment to a more comprehensive and accountable approach to protest response moving forward.