Protests Erupt at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Against ICE
In frigid temperatures on Friday, a large group of anti-ICE protesters gathered at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). They called on airlines to take a stand against federal immigration enforcement.
The activist group Faith in Minnesota, pushing for racial and economic justice, shared footage of over 100 clergy and faith leaders being arrested during the demonstration on social media. Witnesses reported seeing protesters kneeling as police escorted them into buses for transport to detention.
“More than 100 clergy and faith leaders were arrested at MSP Airport while engaging in a peaceful and prayerful protest against airlines, particularly Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation,” the group stated. They emphasized the necessity of this resistance, adding, “This has to end.”
Authorities have yet to confirm the total number of arrests made during the event.
Faith Inc. indicated that over 2,000 deportations have been carried out from airports after MSP employees were detained by ICE during their work or commutes.
The Metropolitan Area Airport Commission communicated with involved companies, stating their efforts to facilitate the protest while maintaining public safety. “We worked with event organizers to prevent disruptions at MSP Airport while trying to accommodate the right to free expression,” they explained.
Public Safety Concerns Over Protest Activities
According to reports, the approved permit for the gathering had restrictions on both the location and number of attendees to ensure safety. The commission outlined that if demonstrators exceeded agreed conditions, MSP Airport Police took necessary actions—arrests included—to safeguard access and security at Terminal 1.
Additionally, an unauthorized protest occurred outside the Whipple Federal Building in response to the recent shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agents on January 7. This event led to an order to disperse from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and additional law enforcement support.
The situation escalated at the gas station, where tensions triggered altercations, including reports of deputies dealing with protesters blocking access roads and previous incidents of vandalism involving vehicles. “Deputies explained the consequences of not adhering to legal orders,” the sheriff’s office said, indicating ongoing enforcement actions against illegal activities.
A march titled “ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom” is scheduled for Friday afternoon in downtown Minneapolis. It appears that many businesses have chosen to close in solidarity with those detained by ICE.
