Minnesota Protesters Change National Immigration Narrative

Activists in Minneapolis have shifted public opinion on immigration issues, impacting both parties ahead of the 2028 election.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Protests in Minneapolis over the past year have significantly altered the national conversation around immigration, according to political analysts. The images and messaging from these demonstrations have "burned a deep scar into the country" and made immigration a political liability rather than a strength for the Republican Party, especially for former President Trump. However, the issue remains a complex one, with strong national support for border control that could pose challenges for Democrats if they are perceived as favoring an "open border" approach.

Why it matters

Immigration has been a contentious and divisive issue in US politics for years, with both parties using it to rally their base. The shift in public opinion driven by the Minneapolis protests could have major implications for the 2028 election cycle, forcing both Republicans and Democrats to recalibrate their messaging and policy positions on this key issue.

The details

The protests in Minneapolis, sparked by high-profile incidents of immigration enforcement and deportation, have managed to "cut through the cluttered news environment" and fundamentally change how the public views the immigration debate. Analysts say the powerful imagery and narratives from these demonstrations have "burned a deep scar into the country" and made immigration a political liability for the Republican Party, especially for former President Trump. However, the issue remains complex, with strong national support for border control that could pose challenges for Democrats if they are perceived as favoring an "open border" approach that goes against public sentiment.

  • The protests in Minneapolis have been ongoing for over a year.
  • The shift in public opinion on immigration is expected to be a key factor in the 2028 election cycle.

The players

Jacobs

A political analyst who commented on the impact of the Minneapolis protests on the national immigration narrative.

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What they’re saying

“The Minneapolis images have burned a deep scar into the country and ignited a deep concern toward Donald Trump and the Republican Party in the day and age when national politics, meaning the president and his approval and general economic sentiment, play a dominant role.”

— Jacobs, Political Analyst (Minneapolis Star Tribune)

The takeaway

The protests in Minneapolis have successfully reframed the national conversation on immigration, making it a political liability for Republicans and posing challenges for Democrats who must navigate the complex issue ahead of the 2028 election. This shift in public opinion could have significant implications for the future of US immigration policy and politics.