12 Minneapolis anti-ICE protesters arrested after large crowd gathers at Hilton hotel

Authorities say protesters were making noise with pots, pans and whistles outside the hotel near the University of Minnesota

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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At least 12 anti-U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protesters were arrested Thursday night after a massive crowd of up to 175 people gathered outside a Hilton hotel in Minneapolis. The protesters were seen blowing whistles, banging pots and pans, and shaking metal barricades outside the Graduate by Hilton Hotel near the University of Minnesota campus. Police declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse after allowing the protest to continue for over 13 hours across four separate events.

Why it matters

Minneapolis has become a flashpoint for clashes between federal immigration enforcement agents and protesters, particularly after the shooting deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. The university said the hotel is on university-owned land, making campus police responsible for law enforcement at the site.

The details

Authorities said agitators had been allowed to assemble outside the hotel for more than 13 hours across four separate protest events before police intervened, citing the need to balance free speech rights with public safety. In a statement, the university said 12 people were arrested in total — 11 for disorderly conduct and one for damage to property. Officers issued five separate orders to disperse before making arrests.

  • The protest began around 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • Police declared an unlawful assembly and ordered the crowd to disperse about 2 hours later.

The players

University of Minnesota Police Department

The campus police force responsible for law enforcement at the Hilton hotel, which sits on university-owned land.

Tom Homan

The border czar who announced the immediate drawdown of 700 personnel from Minnesota, effective Wednesday, though 2,000 officers will remain.

Renee Good

One of two people shot and killed in Minneapolis, sparking increased tensions between protesters and federal immigration enforcement.

Alex Pretti

One of two people shot and killed in Minneapolis, sparking increased tensions between protesters and federal immigration enforcement.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between anti-ICE protesters and federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, with the university police department tasked with balancing free speech rights and public safety concerns. The arrests come as the border czar announces a drawdown of personnel in the area, though a significant ICE presence will remain.