Minneapolis Community Organizes to Protect Residents from ICE

Residents mobilize block-by-block to defend their neighbors and hold federal agents accountable for violence

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In the face of a federal crackdown by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, the community has organized extensively to protect its immigrant residents. From block-level mutual aid efforts to mass protests outside ICE facilities, locals have mobilized to resist the agency's tactics, which have included violent arrests and even the killings of two residents. This organizing builds on the city's history of activism around racial justice issues, especially following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Why it matters

The community's response to the ICE surge in Minneapolis highlights the growing tensions between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, as well as the power of grassroots organizing to push back against government overreach. The story also sheds light on the ongoing struggles of marginalized groups, including immigrants and Native Americans, to achieve safety and justice in the city.

The details

After the Trump administration sent 2,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to Minneapolis to carry out mass arrests, the community responded with widespread resistance. Residents formed block-level networks to watch for ICE activity, provide mutual aid, and document any abuses. Volunteers also followed ICE vehicles, confronted agents outside detention facilities, and even threw objects over fences to disrupt operations. This organizing built on the city's existing racial justice movement, with many drawing inspiration from the protests following George Floyd's murder.

  • In 2020, protests erupted in Minneapolis after the killing of George Floyd.
  • In 2025, the Trump administration surged 2,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents into the city.
  • On January 7, 2026, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good.
  • On January 24, 2026, Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and CBP officer Raymundo Gutierrez killed Alex Pretti.
  • Every February 14th, the Minneapolis American Indian Center holds a vigil and march for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

The players

Gregory Bovino

The well-known, mean-spirited ICE agent who was initially in charge of the Minneapolis operation before being replaced.

Tom Homan

The 'border czar' who was brought in to replace Bovino and reduced the number of ICE agents in Minneapolis by one-third.

Renee Good

A mother of three who was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, 2026.

Alex Pretti

A Veterans Affairs ICU nurse who was murdered by Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and CBP officer Raymundo Gutierrez on January 24, 2026.

Gerry Condon

A board member of the Veterans For Peace chapter in Minneapolis who described the group's rapid response team.

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What they’re saying

“Younger Post-9/11 veterans have taken the lead. They have been patrolling in at-risk neighborhoods, monitoring for agitators, deescalating situations at protests, and training people how to stop bleeding. At least four veterans have been arrested while peacefully protesting but have been released without charges.”

— Gerry Condon, VFP board member

What’s next

The judge in the cases of Renee Good and Alex Pretti will continue to hear arguments about whether the federal agents were justified in using lethal force.

The takeaway

The community's response in Minneapolis demonstrates the power of grassroots organizing to resist federal overreach and protect vulnerable populations, even in the face of violent crackdowns. This story highlights the ongoing struggles for racial justice, immigrant rights, and Indigenous sovereignty that are playing out across the country.