Six years after the 2020 protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, Minneapolis remains a focal point for debates on police accountability and legal protections for law enforcement. Critics argue that qualified immunity—a doctrine shielding officials from civil liability—continues to hinder justice, perpetuating what many call a systemic imbalance favoring power over public safety.
Despite widespread calls for reform following the 2020 protests, legislative changes to qualified immunity have stalled in the U.S., leaving Minneapolis residents and activists disillusioned. Legal experts note that the lack of accountability mechanisms has eroded trust in law enforcement, particularly in marginalized communities.
The ongoing tension underscores broader questions about the role of legal frameworks in addressing institutional bias. While some cities have adopted localized reforms, national progress remains elusive, fueling protests and demands for structural overhauls.
