Minnesotans Flood Streets, Businesses Close to Demand ICE Be Removed

Thousands of protesters shut down parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul as hundreds of businesses closed their doors to demand an end to a weeks-long federal immigration crackdown, Chris Hippensteel, Talya Minsberg, and Maia Coleman reported for The New York Times.

The action sought to pressure the federal government to withdraw thousands of agents from city streets following the killing of poet Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, the shooting of several protesters, and alleged warrantless home raids. (Photo: Lorie Shaull) 

The protests, which unfolded in subzero temperatures, marked the most widespread and coordinated demonstrations since federal agents arrived in Minneapolis more than six weeks ago.

The action sought to pressure the federal government to withdraw thousands of agents from city streets following the killing of poet Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent, the shooting of several protesters, and alleged warrantless home raids.

Many businesses—particularly locally owned ones—shuttered operations to halt economic activity, saying the loss of a day’s revenue was worth the cost to support the movement against immigration enforcement tactics.

State officials have condemned ICE operations, citing reports of agents arresting children and demanding that US citizens present passports to prove their citizenship, Talya Minsberg and Summer Rabold also reported for The New York Times.