Clergy, activists, and locals rally against federal immigration crackdown despite -20°F
Minneapolis, Minnesota | Web Desk: Thousands of Minnesotans took to the streets Friday to protest the federal immigration crackdown, demanding ICE withdrawal and justice for the recent shooting of Renee Good. Organizers estimate around 50,000 participants, with many later gathering indoors at the Target Center.
Demonstrators, including clergy, indigenous leaders, and labor activists, braved temperatures as low as -20°F. Dozens of clergy members knelt at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, singing hymns and praying for ICE to end its operations. Police arrested approximately 100 religious leaders during the demonstration.
Speakers highlighted ICE’s impact on airport and airline workers and criticized the federal enforcement as a “full federal occupation” on unceded Dakota land. Comedian Lizz Winstead called out ICE for “widespread pain and suffering” in Minnesota.
The protest occurs amid heightened tensions over Trump administration immigration policies. Vice President JD Vance defended ICE officers during a visit, urging reduced tensions. Businesses across Minnesota, including major corporations, largely remained silent on ICE operations, drawing criticism from activists.
