Twin Cities Residents Unite in Protest Against Federal Immigration Sweeps

Residents emerge with a newfound sense of power and community in response to recent arrests and deaths

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the wake of recent federal immigration raids and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul have come together in protest and mutual aid. Despite initial concerns about property damage, many locals have been surprised by the unifying effect of the situation, as they've learned the value of standing up for their community and supporting one another. While not all Minnesotans disagree with the deportations, a growing number of residents have found their voice and vowed to continue fighting what they see as unjust federal action in their cities.

Why it matters

The federal immigration sweeps have had a profound impact on the Twin Cities, sparking large protests, acts of community support, and a heightened sense of civic engagement. This represents a shift from previous mass protests in the region, which tended to be more divisive. The unified response highlights the region's values of compassion and resistance to perceived federal overreach.

The details

Federal immigration agents have continued conducting raids in Minneapolis and St. Paul neighborhoods, leading to the arrests of hundreds of undocumented immigrants. The operations have also resulted in the deaths of two local residents - Renee Good, who was shot, and nurse Alex Pretti. A 5-year-old boy, Liam Ramos, was also briefly detained, becoming a symbol of the controversy. In response, thousands of residents have taken to the streets in protest, braving frigid temperatures to march and demonstrate. They have also organized to provide food and other aid to affected families, wanting to ensure no one has to risk encountering immigration agents. While not all Minnesotans oppose the deportations, a growing number of residents have found a new sense of unity and purpose in standing up to what they view as unjust federal actions.

  • The federal immigration sweeps began almost two months ago.
  • On January 24th, nurse Alex Pretti was killed.
  • On February 10th, it has been one month since Renee Good was shot and killed.

The players

Renee Good

A local resident who was shot and killed on Portland Avenue.

Alex Pretti

A nurse who was killed during the federal immigration operations.

Liam Ramos

A 5-year-old boy who was briefly detained by federal agents, becoming a symbol of the controversy.

Tom Homan

President Trump's border czar, who was sent to Minnesota to strike a more conciliatory tone.

U.S. District Judge Nancy E. Brasel

A Trump-appointed judge who pushed back on the government's defense of its actions in a federal courtroom in Minneapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm super proud to be a Minnesotan. I'm proud to watch all these people stand up for what they know is right.”

— Sandy Zaic, Teacher (Instagram)

“This is the federal government. This is an invasion. We feel like we have a common purpose.”

— Craig Wilson, Landscape Architect (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

“It feels like an ebb, but at any moment someone else could get killed and it will just pick up again. We are on pins and needles. But we are also very resilient people.”

— Jeremy Stadelman, Local Government Worker (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

“It's like a Lutheran potluck — just go and you'll be fine. It was thrilling. There was a lot of cussing. It was fantastic, actually.”

— Lindsey Gruttadaurio, Insurance Claims Adjuster (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

“It's much colder when you're alone.”

— Owen Deneen, Nurse (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case is expected to rule on Thursday on whether detainees are being denied access to lawyers.

The takeaway

The federal immigration sweeps in the Twin Cities have galvanized the local community, leading to a newfound sense of unity and civic engagement. Residents have come together to support one another, protest what they see as unjust actions, and demonstrate the power of collective action - proving that even in the face of adversity, a community can find its voice and make a stand.