The New York City branch of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is spearheading a significant initiative to rally thousands of activists in preparation for expected federal immigration crackdowns, as noted by The New York Post.
According to the report, DSA leaders unveiled their strategy during a recent meeting, which involves training around 4,000 volunteers from both within and outside their ranks. These volunteers are set to engage in what is described as “rapid response” activities, aimed at observing and occasionally obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations throughout the city.
“Historically, this approach has been sufficient to hinder ICE detentions in New York,” shared a DSA leader known only as Marina, as reported by the outlet.
The organizers have also highlighted recent protests and ICE agent confrontations in Minnesota as a blueprint for the methods they intend to implement in New York.
A whistle is blown as Border Patrol agents apprehend an individual on January 8, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The proposed tactics involve using whistles and other noise-making devices to alert local communities to ICE activities, thereby swiftly mobilizing activists to the location.
“The whistles carry far and wide,” said Marina, according to the Post.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Protests in Minnesota have erupted since the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent during an immigration enforcement operation.
Police in tactical gear arrive downtown as protesters gather on Jan. 17, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)
Across the state, protests against ICE have drawn demonstrators holding signs reading, “ICE out for good,” “Quit your job,” and “Resist,” while federal law enforcement officers have deployed tear gas to disperse crowds outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in St. Paul.
President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, sending U.S. military troops to the Twin Cities.
Trump on Friday appeared to downplay his remarks, telling reporters that it wasn’t needed at the moment.
“I don’t think there’s any reason right now to use it, but if I needed it, I’d use it. It’s very powerful,” he said.
Fox News confirmed on Sunday that the Army’s 11th Airborne Division was recently placed on prepare-to-deploy orders for Minnesota, though it remains unclear whether the unit will ultimately be sent.
