Despite freezing temperatures as low as minus 20°F, thousands of Minnesotans gathered on Friday to protest federal immigration enforcement. Demonstrators called for ICE to leave the state and demanded justice for the shooting of Renee Good.
Organizers claimed up to 50,000 people took part in marches and rallies, though Reuters could not verify the number. Many later moved indoors to the Target Center, where over half of the 20,000-capacity arena was filled.
Businesses across Minnesota closed for the day, allowing workers to join street protests and marches in solidarity with communities affected by ICE operations.
One of the most striking protests occurred at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Dozens of clergy members knelt on the road, praying and singing hymns for ICE to end its activities in the state. Local police arrested around 100 religious leaders, placing them on buses after detaining them.
At the Target Center, indigenous, religious, labor, and community leaders spoke against federal enforcement actions. Rachel Dionne-Thunder of the Indigenous Protector Movement called the ICE presence a “full federal occupation on unceded Dakota land.” Comedian and activist Lizz Winstead criticized ICE for causing widespread “pain and suffering” in Minnesota communities.
Speakers also demanded accountability for the shooting of Renee Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an ICE agent earlier this month. The protest highlighted concerns over ICE detentions of airport and airline workers.
Vice President JD Vance visited Minneapolis on Thursday, urging local leaders to reduce tensions while defending ICE officers. The Trump administration maintains that federal officers perform an important role in detaining immigration violators, even as the crackdown sparks protests.
Community members, including business owners, braved subzero temperatures to join the rallies. Miguel Hernandez, who closed his bakery temporarily, said the protest sent a message of solidarity to the community and politicians.
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Several Minnesota corporations, including Target, UnitedHealth, Medtronic, Abbott Laboratories, Best Buy, and General Mills, have remained silent on ICE operations. Winstead criticized this silence, urging businesses to take a stand.
