Mass Protests Erupt in Minnesota against ICE Violence

DID Press: Thousands of people staged protests and strikes across Minnesota this week in response to what they described as violent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The demonstrations led to widespread business closures and a sit-in at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, with hundreds of companies and numerous students participating.

Organizers called for the withdrawal of ICE personnel from the state and for independent investigations into the agency’s practices. During the protests, dozens were arrested, including around 100 Christian clergy members who had gathered at the airport urging airlines not to cooperate with federal deportation programs.

The demonstrations intensified following the recent shooting death of a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis by an ICE officer inside her vehicle. Additional outrage was sparked by the arrest of several children, including a five-year-old boy, during ICE operations.

The U.S. government defended ICE’s actions, labeling the protesters as “radical disruptors” and accusing local officials of failing to cooperate with immigration law enforcement.