Thousands of protesters gathered in Minneapolis despite freezing temperatures to protest against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies in the city. The demonstration, labeled as a general strike by organizers, saw a significant turnout, with estimates suggesting up to 50,000 participants marching through the streets. The event culminated in an indoor gathering at the Target Center, which was more than halfway full, as businesses closed across Minnesota in solidarity with the protest.
The protest followed a series of clashes between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and demonstrators opposing Trump’s actions. Vice-President JD Vance’s visit to Minneapolis the day before in support of ICE officers added to the escalating tensions. Notable arrests included clergy members kneeling at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, urging Trump to withdraw federal law enforcement officers deployed to the region.
Among the protest demands was legal accountability for the ICE agent involved in the shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good during ICE operations. Despite police orders to disperse, numerous protesters, including clergy members, were arrested and detained. Faith in Minnesota, a nonprofit group assisting in organizing the protest, highlighted the detention of airport and airline workers by ICE, calling for immediate action by airline companies.
The protest aimed to challenge the federal government’s increased presence, with Rachel Dionne-Thunder from the Indigenous Protector Movement emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Various leaders, including Indigenous, religious, labor, and community representatives, called for ICE’s withdrawal and a thorough investigation into Good’s shooting. The protest also criticized Trump’s immigration enforcement tactics, citing incidents of detainments, including that of a five-year-old boy.
Community members like Miguel Hernandez, who closed his bakery for the protest, braved the harsh weather to stand in solidarity with the cause. The silence from major corporations in Minnesota regarding the immigration raids, including Target, UnitedHealth, and others, drew criticism from protesters. Despite efforts to seek comments from these companies, none responded, reflecting the growing concerns over corporate accountability amidst the ongoing immigration debate.