Civil Rights Attorney Becomes Symbol of Minneapolis Resistance

Will Stancil tracks DHS vehicles, films agents harassing residents amid Trump administration's occupation of Twin Cities

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Will Stancil, a civil rights attorney and 2024 Minnesota House candidate, has gained national prominence as a symbol of Minneapolis' grassroots resistance to the Trump administration's occupation of the Twin Cities area. Stancil has been tirelessly tracking Department of Homeland Security vehicles, filming agents as they stop to harass or detain people, with officers even going so far as to send him an unsubtle message by driving him to his own home.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's heavy-handed tactics in Minneapolis have sparked a fierce local resistance movement, with Stancil emerging as a high-profile figure willing to confront federal agents and document their actions. His activism highlights the community's determination to protect its neighbors in the face of an unwanted federal occupation.

The details

Stancil, previously known as a social media influencer debating progressive politics, has taken on a new role in recent weeks as he tirelessly tracks DHS vehicles in his Honda Fit, filming agents when they stop to harass or detain people. The officers have gone as far as to send Stancil an unsubtle message by driving him right to where he lives.

  • Stancil has gained prominence as a symbol of Minneapolis' resistance in recent weeks.

The players

Will Stancil

A civil rights attorney, advocate, and 2024 candidate for a Minnesota House seat who has become a prominent figure in the Minneapolis resistance movement against the Trump administration's occupation of the Twin Cities.

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The takeaway

Stancil's activism has made him a symbol of Minneapolis' stubborn and well-organized grassroots resistance to the Trump administration's heavy-handed tactics, highlighting the community's determination to protect its neighbors in the face of an unwanted federal occupation.