Minneapolis, Minnesota — In freezing winter conditions that tested endurance and resolve, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Minneapolis to demand that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) leave the city. The massive demonstration, held amid subzero temperatures, became one of the largest immigration protests Minnesota has seen in recent years.
Wrapped in heavy coats and scarves, demonstrators marched through downtown Minneapolis chanting slogans such as “ICE Out of Minneapolis” and “No Human Is Illegal.” Despite brutal wind chills, the crowd continued to grow throughout the day, sending a powerful message of resistance against federal immigration enforcement.
Protesters Brave Extreme Cold for Immigrant Rights
Temperatures dipped far below freezing, yet families, students, labor workers, faith leaders, and activists stood shoulder to shoulder. Many participants said the harsh weather symbolized the fear and hardship immigrant communities face daily due to immigration raids and detentions.
Organizers described the protest as a stand for human dignity, civil rights, and community safety, arguing that ICE operations have created fear across neighborhoods and separated families.
Economic Strike and Citywide Action
The Minneapolis ICE protest was part of a broader day of action across Minnesota, which included calls for an economic strike. Supporters were encouraged to stay home from work and school, avoid shopping, and close businesses to demonstrate the economic power of immigrant communities and their allies.
Several local businesses and organizations participated by shutting their doors in solidarity, reinforcing the message that immigrants are essential to the city’s workforce and economy.
Clergy Arrests Highlight Peaceful Resistance
A dramatic moment unfolded at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, where dozens of clergy members staged a peaceful prayer protest. Kneeling together, they called for an end to deportation flights and the separation of families. Authorities later arrested several clergy members, an action that drew national attention and intensified criticism of ICE practices.
Faith leaders said their civil disobedience was an act of moral responsibility, emphasizing compassion over enforcement.
Why Minneapolis Is Protesting ICE
Anger toward ICE has been building in Minnesota following recent enforcement actions that activists say have harmed innocent people and spread fear in immigrant neighborhoods. Protesters argue that immigration enforcement should not come at the cost of community trust, constitutional rights, or human lives.
Many speakers at the rally stressed that immigrants contribute significantly to Minnesota’s economy, culture, and public life, and should be protected—not targeted.
A Defining Moment for Minneapolis
Despite the brutal cold, the turnout underscored how deeply the issue resonates with residents. The Minneapolis ICE protest sent a clear signal that opposition to federal immigration enforcement is growing and organized.
While it remains uncertain whether the demonstrations will lead to policy changes, the message from Minneapolis was unmistakable: people are willing to brave extreme conditions to stand up for immigrant rights and demand accountability.
As one protester put it, “If our neighbors live in fear every day, the least we can do is stand with them—no matter how cold it gets.
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