Washington, Jan. 26 -- Political tensions escalated in the United States on Monday after the White House blamed Democratic leaders in Minnesota for recent deadly encounters involving US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), even as protests spread nationwide following the killing of two civilians earlier this month.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused elected Democrats in Minnesota of responsibility for what she described as a "tragedy," naming Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Her remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump said on social media that he had a "very good call" with Walz and that they were "on a similar wavelength."

Addressing reporters, Leavitt said the incident stemmed from ...