Thousands Rally in Minneapolis Demanding End to ICE Operations After Fatal Shooting
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In the biting cold of a Minnesota winter, thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Minneapolis on Friday, culminating in a large rally outside the Target Center. The protesters, including activists and clergy, called for the removal of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the state, demanding an end to federal immigration enforcement operations in the city.
The march, dubbed “ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom,” began at The Commons and proceeded through the heart of Minneapolis. Participants carried signs with messages such as “Silence is more dangerous than frostbite,” “Justice for Renee Good,” and direct criticisms of local officials. The demonstration was fueled by heightened tensions following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on January 7.
Organizers urged residents to participate in a citywide day of action, calling for no work, no school, and no shopping to emphasize their opposition to ICE’s presence. Despite the subzero temperatures, the crowd’s resolve remained firm, with chants echoing through the streets as they converged on the Target Center.
Law enforcement agencies maintained a visible presence but allowed the protest to proceed peacefully. Several anti-ICE agitators were arrested earlier in the week during protests at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, underscoring the intensity of local opposition to federal immigration policies. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, has defended its enforcement operations as necessary for national security and immigration law compliance.
The event highlighted the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities like Minneapolis, which have adopted policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Critics argue these policies undermine law enforcement and public safety, while supporters contend they protect immigrant communities from unjust deportations.
Community leaders and activists emphasized the need for systemic change, advocating for alternatives to ICE’s current approach. The marchers’ demands align with broader national calls for immigration reform and the abolition or significant restructuring of ICE.
As the demonstration drew to a close, organizers vowed to continue their efforts, signaling that the issue will remain a flashpoint in Minnesota politics. The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups have also weighed in, calling for accountability and transparency in immigration enforcement.
With immigration enforcement remaining a contentious topic nationwide, Minneapolis stands at the forefront of a growing movement challenging the role of federal agencies in local communities. The city’s response to these protests and the demands of its residents will likely influence the broader national discourse on immigration policy and enforcement.
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