On Friday, Minneapolis released a video urging peaceful demonstrations and solidarity amid ongoing tensions between protestors and immigration officials in the Twin Cities.
Appearing on the city’s YouTube channel, the 84-second video begins with a sign from a local business proclaiming, “We love our Somali neighbors.” It features various anti-ICE protest messages, including signs with slogans like “Abolish,” “Ice out of our neighborhood,” and “neighbors say ICE out.”
An accompanying voice-over in the video states, “Those who spread fear crave attention. The most effective response to protect one another is to resist giving in. Continue living your lives, caring for each other, supporting local businesses, and focusing on peaceful protests and community aid. Avoid the hate.”
The video includes interviews with community members, faith leaders, and images of Mayor Jacob Frey, who recently testified at a Democratic Immigration hearing.
Pro-immigration demonstrators, many carrying signs demanding ICE’s departure, gathered in front of Minneapolis City Hall on Saturday, January 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
The video’s description reads, “We understand that people across Minneapolis are feeling scared, angry, and uncertain. Those spreading fear and hate seek attention, aiming to provoke and amplify violent confrontations.”
The caption goes on to say that the community should continue to “meet this moment together with peace, unity, and the welcoming values that make Minneapolis so special.”
Protesters gather in front of the Minnesota State Capitol in response to the death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in St. Paul. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Tensions flared in Minneapolis after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by an ICE officer while allegedly blocking an immigration operation in the city and driving toward the officer.
Agitators across the Twin Cities have followed and harassed federal agents as they carry out operations, with some throwing snowballs at agents or screaming obscenities through bullhorns from just feet away. Some clashes have resulted in immigration officers deploying pepper spray and tear gas.
Law enforcement detain a man outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building during a protest on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing 1,500 troops for potential deployment to Minnesota, a senior U.S. official confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The official says the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, which is based in Alaska and specializes in cold-weather and mountain warfare, has given prepare to deploy orders.
Minneapolis and St. Paul are already hosting some 3,000 federal agents deployed there after a massive fraud scandal rocked the state late last year.
