Protesters, comprising activists and clergy members, converged outside the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis on Friday. They gathered to protest federal immigration enforcement in the city, following the “ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom” march.
Thousands participated in the demonstration, moving from The Commons in downtown Minneapolis to the arena, creating a powerful show of solidarity.
The city’s atmosphere has been tense since the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on January 7. In response, organizers urged citizens to halt work, school, and shopping on Friday to join the cause.
Marchers carried signs with messages like, “Silence is more dangerous than frostbite,” “This was a terrible idea, Napoleon Bovino,” and “Justice for Renee Good,” emphasizing their demands for change.
Protesters in downtown Minneapolis on Friday. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Despite temperatures plummeting to minus 20 degrees, participants chanted slogans such as, “Stand up, fight back,” “What do we want? ICE out! When do we want it? Now!” and “The people united will never be defeated,” showcasing their determination to be heard.
Nearby skywalks were packed with onlookers waving at the marchers.
Once inside the arena, footage captured a less impressive group of demonstrators coordinating “the wave” with signs and sitting in stadium seats, seemingly warming up from the bitter conditions outside.
Attendees hold signs during a rally against federal immigration enforcement at Target Center, Friday, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
While the demonstration appeared peaceful, reporters at the scene noted a security checkpoint was set up in front of the arena, with a metal detector.
People listen to speeches during an anti-ICE rally at the Target Center, Friday, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)
Elizabeth Shaffer, who represents Ward 7 on the Minneapolis City Council, took to social media to applaud the turnout.
“Thousands showed up today to peacefully march in downtown Minneapolis and rally at the Target Center to demand: ICE out of Minnesota now!” Shaffer wrote in an X post.
She shared a photo inside the stadium, which appeared to show mostly empty seats behind a Jumbotron reading “ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
