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Mass protests erupt across Minnesota against ICE operations
Hundreds of Minnesota businesses closed Friday as thousands braved subzero temperatures to demonstrate against federal immigration enforcement, marking the state's largest show of opposition to the ongoing crackdown.
Background: Six-week ICE operation sparks outrage
The Trump administration launched Operation Metro Surge over six weeks ago, framing it as a public safety effort to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Critics, however, accuse ICE of detaining migrants without criminal histories and even U.S. citizens, escalating tensions statewide.
Clergy arrests and airport protests
Around 100 faith leaders were arrested at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport after their demonstration exceeded permitted boundaries. The airport authority cited public safety concerns, stating the protest disrupted access. The clergy had demanded airlines refuse to transport ICE detainees.
"We want ICE out of Minnesota-and every state-for their extreme overreach. Congress must provide oversight,"
Bishop Dwayne Royster, Faith in Action
Economic and community impact
Protesters marched through downtown Minneapolis in -23°C (-10°F) weather, rallying at the Timberwolves' NBA arena. Corey Lamb, owner of Harriet Grove Botanicals, closed his shop in solidarity, citing moral and economic concerns.
"When our community members fear detention, it hurts businesses like mine-morally and financially."
Corey Lamb, Minneapolis business owner
Hundreds of other businesses, from restaurants to toy stores, joined the strike. Kim Bartmann, owner of six eateries including Barbette and Gigi's Café, reported a 30% drop in sales over three weeks, forcing her to reduce hours. Staff, including documented workers, have avoided shifts due to fear.
Detentions and political fallout
This week, ICE detained four Columbia Heights students aged 5 to 17, along with a 2-year-old and her undocumented father in south Minneapolis. The incidents have drawn condemnation from local officials, particularly after the January killing of 37-year-old Renee Good, which amplified calls to end federal operations.
Vice President JD Vance urged Minnesota law enforcement to cooperate with ICE, clashing with the state's sanctuary policies, which limit local-federal collaboration. Meanwhile, an FBI agent resigned over alleged pressure to close the Good investigation, per CBS News. The bureau has not commented.
Sanctuary policies under fire
The Trump administration has criticized Minnesota's sanctuary status as a public safety threat. Protesters argue the policies protect vulnerable communities, but federal officials insist coordination is necessary to enforce immigration laws.
