Neighbors Band Together Amid ICE Raids in Minneapolis, Florida Students Protest

Community-led efforts emerge to support immigrants and stand up against deportation crackdowns

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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As ICE agents descended on Minneapolis and other cities, neighbors started organizing to support immigrant families, including setting up a rideshare system to get people safely to work and school. Meanwhile, high school students in Florida have been walking out of class in protest against the ICE raids, feeling a sense of responsibility to keep their classmates safe. These community-led efforts to pierce isolation and take action are emerging across the country in response to the rise of American fascism.

Why it matters

The story highlights how people are coming together at the local level to support one another and resist authoritarian policies, countering the isolation and powerlessness that can arise in the face of such threats. These grassroots efforts to build community and take collective action are seen as crucial for long-term survival against a fascist regime.

The details

In Minneapolis, neighbors organized a rideshare system to help immigrant families get to work and school safely during the ICE raids. This effort has brought previously isolated neighbors together, with over 200 people now connected on a chat thread to coordinate rides. Meanwhile, high school students in Florida have been repeatedly walking out of class to protest the ICE crackdowns, despite threats of suspension, because they feel a responsibility to stand up for their immigrant classmates. Similar student protests have occurred in cities across the country.

  • In December, ICE agents descended on Minneapolis.
  • In early February, high school students in Florida began walking out of class to protest the ICE raids.

The players

M

A woman in South Minneapolis who helped organize the neighborhood rideshare system.

Zoe Weissman

A 12-year-old Parkland, Florida shooting survivor who is now a sophomore at Brown University and has been involved in anti-ICE protests.

Ben Luhmann

A 17-year-old from a Chicago suburb who has been volunteering as a community patroller during ICE raids.

Sam Luhmann

Ben Luhmann's 16-year-old brother, who has also been volunteering as a community patroller during ICE raids.

Audrey Luhmann

The mother of Ben and Sam Luhmann, who supports her sons' community patrol efforts despite concerns for their safety.

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What they’re saying

“This whole experience has rewoven who we consider our community. When this is over, we're going to throw a big party in the park.”

— M, Neighborhood organizer (tomdispatch.com)

“We have immigrants at this school, we have people who are afraid at this school.”

— A senior at Viera High School (tomdispatch.com)

“I've been really happy about how many different types of people and age groups I've seen protesting.”

— Zoe Weissman, Parkland shooting survivor and Brown University student (tomdispatch.com)

“We're two white minors who have always had the privilege to live in America unbothered. I'm going to use that privilege that shouldn't be here, and do the right thing.”

— Ben Luhmann, Community patroller (tomdispatch.com)

“Why should my life be normal? Why should my family get to be safe and comfortable and go on about our days and just ignore what's happening?”

— Audrey Luhmann, Mother of community patrollers (tomdispatch.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These community-led efforts to support immigrants, protest ICE raids, and build connections between neighbors highlight how people are coming together to resist authoritarianism and create a sense of shared purpose and collective power in the face of isolation and fear.