Thousands in Minneapolis rally in freezing temperatures against ICE enforcement actions.
In a striking display of solidarity and advocacy, thousands of Minnesotans gathered in freezing temperatures to protest against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, underscoring the deep community desire for compassion and justice. Despite the harsh weather, demonstrators rallied to demand the departure of ICE from their city, reflecting widespread opposition to federal immigration enforcement in local lives. This event showcases a powerful movement responding to vitiated ideals of justice and humanity while inviting a broader conversation about immigration and its impact on communities.
In Minneapolis, thousands of demonstrators braved bitter conditions to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s controversial immigration policies. On a day marked by temperatures plunging as low as minus 29 degrees Celsius (minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit), organizers estimated that up to 50,000 people marched through the streets, although this number could not be independently verified. The protest, which took place on Friday, was part of a broader “ICE OUT!” campaign aimed at highlighting issues surrounding the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the community.
Many protestors congregated indoors later at the Target Center, a sports arena that comfortably houses 20,000 attendees. The day’s events saw numerous businesses across Minnesota closing in solidarity, constituting a significant act of defiance against ICE’s operations. The protests were spurred by heightened tensions following a series of confrontations between ICE agents and community members opposed to the federal agency’s enforcement actions.
Reporting from the scene, ZezapTV’s John Hendren noted the extraordinary turnout despite the extreme weather: “It is 23 degrees below zero but the stores are closed and these demonstrators are out braving the coldest day on record since 2019 all to send a simple message to ICE: Get Out.” This sentiment reverberated as Vice President JD Vance visited Minneapolis the day prior to express support for ICE operations, underscoring the polarized political climate surrounding immigration enforcement.
In a poignant display of faith and unity, local clergy were among those arrested while kneeling and praying on the road at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, a protest against the Federal Administration’s aggressive actions, particularly in light of a recent incident involving the shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good by an ICE agent. Demands from demonstrators included accountability for this tragic event as part of a larger call for ICE to cease operations in the area.
Faith in Minnesota, a nonprofit group that assisted in organizing the protest, brought attention to the plight of airport and airline workers who have been affected by ICE actions. The group urged airlines to align with the community in advocating for an end to ICE’s presence. Throughout the state, an array of establishments—bars, restaurants, and shops—closed their doors, marking a significant act of solidarity against ICE’s actions.
Rachel Dionne-Thunder, vice president of the Indigenous Protector Movement, emphasized the gravity of the protests, stating, “Make no mistake, we are facing a full federal occupation by the United States government through the arm of ICE on unceded Dakota land.” The demonstration featured leaders from various Indigenous, religious, labor, and community organizations calling for both the withdrawal of ICE personnel and a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Good’s shooting.
Trump’s 2024 election campaign was heavily anchored in a promise to reinforce immigration laws, often framing his predecessor, President Joe Biden, as inadequate in safeguarding the nation’s borders. However, the aggressive deployment of federal law enforcement in cities led by Democratic leaders has intensified political divisions across the U.S. This tension stemmed not only from recent heightened ICE activities but also from concerning incidents involving the detention of U.S. citizens, including a young child taken from his home.
Despite the pressing situation, major corporations headquartered in Minnesota have largely refrained from making public statements regarding the immigration raids and tensions, highlighting the complexities surrounding corporate responses to political activism.
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