Protest Against ICE in Minneapolis

On Friday, a large crowd of anti-ICE activists and religious leaders gathered outside the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. They were demonstrating against federal immigration enforcement in the city, especially in light of the recent “ICE Out of Minnesota: Truth and Freedom Day” march.

Thousands participated in the march, which started at the Commons and ended at the arena. Organizers encouraged attendees to refrain from work, school, or shopping as tensions rose following the January 7 shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer.

Protesters carried a variety of signs, including messages like “Silence is more dangerous than frostbite,” “This was a terrible idea, Napoleon Bovino,” and “Justice for Renee Good.”

Despite the -20°C weather, chants such as “Stand up, fight back!” and “What do you want? Get the ICE! When do you want it? Now!” filled the air. Supporters in a nearby skywalk waved to those marching below.

Once inside the arena, footage captured protesters cautiously warming up, adjusting their signs, and taking seats. While the rally seemed peaceful, a security checkpoint with metal detectors was noted by reporters at the scene.

Minneapolis City Council District 7 Representative Elizabeth Shafer took to social media to commend the voters for their participation. “Today, thousands of people marched peacefully in downtown Minneapolis and rallied at Target Center to demand that ICE be removed from Minnesota now,” she shared, along with a photo from inside the arena showing an empty seat behind a jumbotron displaying “ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA.”