Thousands of protesters march through Minneapolis, swarm Target Center demanding ICE removal from Minnesota

Thousands of activists and clergy members gathered outside the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis on Friday to protest against federal immigration enforcement. The rally, known as the “ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom” march, was organized in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on January 7.

Despite the frigid 20-below-zero temperatures, protesters marched from The Commons in downtown Minneapolis to the arena, carrying signs that read “Silence is more dangerous than frostbite” and “Justice for Renee Good.” Chants of “Stand up, fight back” and “The people united will never be defeated” filled the air as onlookers in nearby skywalks waved at the passing marchers.

Inside the arena, a smaller group of demonstrators could be seen coordinating the wave with signs and sitting in stadium seats to escape the bitter cold outside. While the demonstration appeared peaceful, reporters noted the presence of a security checkpoint with a metal detector at the entrance of the arena.

Elizabeth Shaffer, a representative of Ward 7 on the Minneapolis City Council, took to social media to commend the turnout of the protest. She shared a photo from inside the arena, showing mostly empty seats behind a Jumbotron that displayed the message “ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA.”

Imam Yusuf Abdulle also spoke at the rally, addressing the crowd gathered at the Target Center to demand the removal of ICE from Minnesota. Additionally, some protesters dressed as handmaidens from “The Handmaid’s Tale” to symbolize their resistance to President Trump’s deployment of thousands of immigration enforcement officers.

Overall, the rally in Minneapolis was a powerful display of unity and activism, with thousands of individuals coming together to voice their opposition to federal immigration enforcement. The call for “ICE out of Minnesota now” echoed through the streets, as protesters stood in solidarity against the injustices they believe ICE perpetuates.