ICE Out Day: Community Resilience in Minneapolis
As temperatures plummet below freezing in Minneapolis, a powerful movement emerges from the icy winds. On Friday, residents and business owners plan to join an “ICE Out” day of protest, advocating for a collective stand against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the region. Despite the frosty conditions, dozens are expected to participate in this civil action aimed at raising awareness of the ongoing toll that immigration enforcement is taking within the community.
A Call to Action
Organizational efforts for the ICE Out day have called for a day of "no work, no school, and no shopping." Some businesses are responding to this call by temporarily closing their doors, demonstrating solidarity with the mission. “This is a bigger thing than the weather,” shares Larry Weiss, a retired resident who frequently patrols his neighborhood alongside his wife. He emphasizes that despite the brutal cold—the forecast promised temperatures as low as eight below zero—residents will not be intimidated. “They are trying to break us, and we are not going to be broken,” he declares.
Signs of Defiance
Posters promoting the protest have been plastered across windows in neighborhoods near the University of Minnesota. Signs in areas like LynLake adamantly proclaim that ICE and Border Patrol agents are unwelcome without a valid judicial warrant. At Wrecktangle Pizza, a popular local eatery, a sign reads, “Everyone is welcome here, except I.C.E.” This visible defiance captures the sentiments of community members who are rallying against systemic issues of fear and oppression.
Remembering Renee Good
The need for such protests has been underscored by recent tragedies. It has been three weeks since 37-year-old U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer, a grim incident that has galvanized public outrage and spurred action in the community. “It’s tearing our restaurant community apart,” says Jeff Rogers, one of the owners of Wrecktangle Pizza. “Everyone’s seen all the evidence of all this bulls—. It’s horrific and not something we condone,” he adds, sharing his personal commitment to the protest.
Support Amidst Fear
Local establishments are not merely closing for the protest but are actively supporting their communities. Beckett’s, a nearby sports bar, also plans to shut its doors. Staff members are worried, particularly for their immigrant coworkers who live in fear of deportation. “We have one of our head cooks who hasn’t come in for a month now because he’s afraid,” shares Frank, a manager. “We’re all just supporting him.” This camaraderie illustrates the human impact of ICE’s actions, revealing a community united in shared struggles.
A Commitment to Community
Craig, a local business owner who prefers to remain anonymous, highlights the emotional toll on his immigrant employees. “I don’t know how fearful he is, but I am fearful for him,” he admits. His business has turned into a place of refuge for international students from the University of Minnesota, where they can find a moment of safety amidst the turmoil.
On another front, ICE enforcement continues unabated. Recently, Border Patrol and ICE officials reported the arrests of over 3,000 people in the Minneapolis area, a figure that has injected additional anxiety into the community. As public trust in law enforcement dwindles, protests highlight dissatisfaction over aggressive tactics, including allegations of racial profiling.
Grassroots Mobilization
Community mobilization efforts reflect a response characteristic of natural disaster relief rather than typical protest activities. Volunteer networks have sprung up across Minneapolis as a direct response to ICE activities. For instance, volunteers track immigration enforcement activities and serve as rapid responders to document incidents.
One initiative spearheaded by Rogers includes providing free frozen pizzas to immigrant families for every pizza sold. This charitable campaign has been a means to uplift and empower families during a period of crisis. In just a short time, the restaurant has raised a significant sum to support local nonprofits dedicated to immigrant welfare.
Humanitarian Efforts in Action
The Dios Habla Hoy church has also become a vital hub for community organizing, with Pastor Sergio Amezcua leading efforts to distribute food and essentials to families fearful of leaving their homes. “This is a humanitarian crisis in Minnesota,” he emphasizes. Working with a team of 4,000 volunteers, the church manages to deliver food to hundreds of families each week, demonstrating remarkable resilience and compassion amidst adversity.
Creative Expressions of Solidarity
Beyond food drives, community efforts to remember Renee Good abound. For example, a local singing group has been performing at the site where she was shot, blending activism with art in a powerful way. Timothy Frantzich, of the Perfection-Free Community Singing Circle, describes the performance as an attempt to bring beauty into a place marked by sadness and fear.
Uniting Voices
Despite chilling weather and tensions running high, the community spirit in Minneapolis remains vibrant and determined. “It’s important as white people we can be out here right now,” explains Z. Brown, a participant in the singing circle. She articulates the heavy burden that many feel—an awareness of privilege and a desire to support those who are unable to do so without risking their safety. The urgency for collective action resounds in her words.
As the residents of Minneapolis prepare to take their stand, wrapped in layers to shield against the cold, their warmth of spirit shines through. The ICE Out day is more than just a protest; it is a testament to a community standing resolute against oppression, emphasizing solidarity, support, and a collective yearning for justice.
