Minneapolis Residents Confront ICE Agents in Ongoing Battle

Community members use whistles, horns, and chants to force ICE vehicles to leave the area

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In Minneapolis, residents have mobilized a rapid-response network to confront and disrupt ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations in their neighborhoods. When tipped off about ICE agents in the area, locals quickly gather to make noise, block vehicles, and force the agents to leave without being able to carry out their intended actions. This grassroots effort has grown out of the city's history of activism and a determination to protect their immigrant neighbors, even at personal risk.

Why it matters

Minneapolis has become a battleground in the ongoing fight against ICE's aggressive tactics, with the city's residents refusing to back down despite the potential dangers. This story highlights the lengths community members will go to shield undocumented immigrants from deportation and the government's crackdown, even if it means putting themselves at risk.

The details

When residents receive word of ICE agents in the area, they quickly mobilize to confront them. Locals use whistles, horns, chants, and even song to create a deafening noise that forces the ICE vehicles to leave. The residents work in a coordinated effort, with some spotting the agents and alerting others, while a growing crowd gathers to block the agents' path and prevent them from carrying out their operations. The residents see this as the only way to protect their immigrant neighbors, even if it means putting themselves in harm's way.

  • On February 11, 2026, residents confronted ICE agents in the SoMa neighborhood of Minneapolis.
  • This incident follows a series of similar confrontations between Minneapolis residents and ICE agents in recent months.

The players

Tim

A Minneapolis resident who has been involved in the community's efforts to confront ICE agents.

Star

A Minneapolis resident who has also participated in the grassroots resistance against ICE operations in the city.

Alex Pretti

A Minneapolis resident who was mistakenly identified as a protester, when in fact he was simply a neighbor responding to the presence of ICE agents.

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What they’re saying

“We're just neighbors. That's how we know each other.”

— Tim, Minneapolis resident (Slate)

“It feels like the only way through it is through it. Some of this is—it's happening to us. And it's a choice to stand up, but—we don't have a lot of options.”

— Tim, Minneapolis resident (Slate)

“I'm not as afraid as I thought I would be. I guess I just feel like I can take it, so I want to put myself as a body here. They can't hurt all of us if it's really big, and there are a lot of people who can't necessarily be out here or don't want to take the risk. But because I feel like I can accept that risk, I have to.”

— L, Minneapolis resident (Slate)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.