MINNEAPOLIS — Even with a cold snap looming, many residents and business owners are gearing up for an “ICE Out” protest this Friday. They’re calling for no school, work, or shopping, and some local businesses plan to shut their doors in solidarity.
“This is about more than just the weather,” said Larry Weiss, a retired resident. He believes the community is facing pressure but refuses to back down. “They’re trying to break us, and we won’t be broken,” he added.
Posters advocating for the protest cover windows near the University of Minnesota. In the LynLake area, businesses have posted signs stating that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are not welcome without proper warrants. One pizza shop’s door reads, “Everyone is welcome here, except I.C.E.”
The protest comes three weeks after the tragic shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, by an ICE officer. Many locals express frustration and fear over the heightened presence of federal agents in their neighborhoods.
Jeff Rogers, co-owner of Wrecktangle Pizza, announced his restaurant would close for the day. He highlighted the negative impact ICE has on the local food industry: “It’s ruining our restaurant community. We can’t tolerate it.”
Nearby at Beckett’s sports bar, manager Frank noted that some employees, especially immigrants, are afraid to work due to ongoing ICE activity. “We’re all just supporting them,” Frank shared, concerned for his co-workers’ well-being.
Craig, a local business owner who wished to remain anonymous, canceled Friday appointments to join the protest. He empathizes with a Hmong co-worker who lives in an area heavily monitored by ICE.
In a response to the planned protest, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticized the idea of disrupting Minnesota’s economy, stating, “This shows everything about fighting for illegal activities.”
In stark contrast, Greg Bovino, a Border Patrol commander, highlighted the seizure of over 3,000 individuals in the Minneapolis area for serious offenses. He claimed that their tactics were professional and lawful.
While concerns over policing methods grow, many residents are forming networks to support each other. Volunteer groups have become crucial in responding to ICE actions. Ben Damberg, a local organizer, noted that many Minnesotans are stepping up to assist those affected.
“We can’t just stand by while others are hurt,” he emphasized. “We will march and protest peacefully.”
Some food businesses have risen to the occasion. Wrecktangle Pizza launched a campaign to provide free meals to immigrant families for each pizza sold and raised over $200,000 for related causes. This initiative followed an incident where federal agents were turned away from the restaurant.
Churches like Dios Habla Hoy have become hubs for relief efforts, distributing essential goods to families who avoid leaving their homes for fear of arrest. Pastor Sergio Amezcua shared that their network of 4,000 volunteers helps connect families with food, especially those too scared to step outside. They manage to deliver about 100 tons of food weekly.
“This is a humanitarian crisis in Minnesota,” Amezcua declared, stressing the need for community support in memory of Renee Good. Her death has sparked a wave of solidarity, with singers gathering to uplift spirits at the site where she was shot.
As tensions remain high, many are stepping up in ways that highlight unity and empathy. Despite the harsh winter weather, Minneapolis residents show that they are willing to come together for a common cause, transforming fear into action and support.
For more on the context of ICE activities and community responses, visit KARE11 for updates.
