Thousands of Minnesotans took to the streets, braving subzero temperatures, on Friday in a statewide strike against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The protests, dubbed "ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom," saw faith leaders, labor unions, civic leaders, and ordinary citizens unite in their demand for ICE's removal from the state.
The demonstrations came as part of an economic blackout, with over 200 businesses closing their doors, while organizers expect nearly 700 to shut down for the day. The movement, led by UNIDOS Minnesota, is calling for an investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good and seeking justice for immigrant communities. Protesters also took to social media using hashtags such as #JusticeForReneeGood.
At various locations across the state, protesters held marches and rallies, including a mile-long procession in Minneapolis that converged on the Target Center. The event featured speakers from faith organizations and labor unions, who condemned ICE's tactics as "intimidation" and "abuse." Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, told Salon that ICE's actions are not about immigration but about exerting control over communities.
In one chilling scene, protesters gathered outside an ICE facility at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, where temperatures were reported to be well below 20 degrees with wind chill. Randi Weingarten was among the speakers who denounced ICE's tactics, calling them a "fascist regime" and accusing the agency of using aggressive methods to provoke communities into unrest.
Protesters also expressed outrage at the actions of individuals targeted by ICE, viewing them as innocent victims of systemic abuse. Some likened the situation to Nazi Germany in the 1930s, where protesters equated the tactics used by ICE with those employed by a totalitarian regime.
The response from authorities was dismissive and hostile, with a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security calling the protests "beyond insane." The agency's assertion that labor unions are seeking to protect public safety ignores the fundamental human rights at stake in this situation. As one protester noted, "these people that ICE and the Trump admin are f**king over, every single one of those people is a story, and they've had their story interrupted."
The demonstrations came as part of an economic blackout, with over 200 businesses closing their doors, while organizers expect nearly 700 to shut down for the day. The movement, led by UNIDOS Minnesota, is calling for an investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good and seeking justice for immigrant communities. Protesters also took to social media using hashtags such as #JusticeForReneeGood.
At various locations across the state, protesters held marches and rallies, including a mile-long procession in Minneapolis that converged on the Target Center. The event featured speakers from faith organizations and labor unions, who condemned ICE's tactics as "intimidation" and "abuse." Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, told Salon that ICE's actions are not about immigration but about exerting control over communities.
In one chilling scene, protesters gathered outside an ICE facility at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, where temperatures were reported to be well below 20 degrees with wind chill. Randi Weingarten was among the speakers who denounced ICE's tactics, calling them a "fascist regime" and accusing the agency of using aggressive methods to provoke communities into unrest.
Protesters also expressed outrage at the actions of individuals targeted by ICE, viewing them as innocent victims of systemic abuse. Some likened the situation to Nazi Germany in the 1930s, where protesters equated the tactics used by ICE with those employed by a totalitarian regime.
The response from authorities was dismissive and hostile, with a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security calling the protests "beyond insane." The agency's assertion that labor unions are seeking to protect public safety ignores the fundamental human rights at stake in this situation. As one protester noted, "these people that ICE and the Trump admin are f**king over, every single one of those people is a story, and they've had their story interrupted."
It's fascinating to see Minnesotans standing up against the presence of ICE operations in their state. The unity among faith leaders, labor unions, and ordinary citizens in demanding an end to ICE's removal is truly heartening 
. I think it's crucial to acknowledge that this movement is not just about immigration reform but also about highlighting the systemic abuses faced by immigrant communities. Randi Weingarten's words hit home when she called out ICE's tactics as "fascist regime" - it's high time we recognize the agency's actions for what they are: a blatant attempt to exert control over marginalized groups.
I'm telling you, this whole thing with ICE in Minnesota has been building for ages. Like, when's the last time a state just straight up shuts down all these businesses? It's not like it's a surprise that some Minnesotans are fed up - they're already one of the most liberal states out there. And those chants of "fascist regime"? I'm low-key surprised more people aren't using that term. The whole thing just feels so... familiar, you know? Like we've been here before. But the part that really gets me is how random some of these arrests are. They're not even trying to hide it - they're out there actively targeting innocent people and then acting all shocked when people get upset. It's wild 
. like can't they just give us some decent commercials for once? anyway back to this minnesota thing, i feel bad for those protesters having to deal with subzero temps 
. can u imagine walking around outside with no gloves on? brrr! but what really got me is when that woman said "these people are a story" 
. it's like we're just so caught up in our own lives that we forget there are ppl out there who need help 
. and i love how the labor unions were all like "hey let's give ICE a hard time" 
. maybe they should've done more to, idk, educate ppl about immigration laws instead of just being all confrontational 
, what were people thinking walking out there like that? Maybe it's time to take a step back and reevaluate our goals...
Just saw that thousands of Minnesotans took to the streets in record cold temps to protest ICE's presence in the state! 
. This whole movement feels like it's about more than just removing ICE from the state, it's about standing up for justice and human rights 
. And that scene outside the Fort Snelling facility? Chilling, fam 
.
#JusticeForReneeGood #EndICE. The fact that thousands are braving subzero temps to stand up for justice & human rights is truly inspiring 
#NoToICE. The comparison to Nazi Germany is disturbingly apt – we can't let that happen here in the US of A 
#UnityInAction. Let's hope authorities take these protests seriously & listen to the voices of those affected by ICE's actions 
#ListenToThePeople.
not cool at all! I also saw those hashtags #JusticeForReneeGood trending, it's so sad what happened to her and I hope they get justice 
.
. Renee Nicole Good's killing is senseless & we need answers 
. The comparison to Nazi Germany is heartbreaking, but it highlights how desperate ppl are feeling 
. We need to calm down & listen to each other's perspectives, we can't let fear & hate dictate our actions 
. We should be trying to find solutions that keep everyone safe, not tear ppl apart 
.