Minneapolis Residents Organize to Resist ICE Crackdown

Grassroots movement demands abolition of ICE, rejects Democratic Party's reform proposals

Feb. 23, 2026 at 6:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The immigrant rights movement in Minneapolis is at a crossroads, as the Trump administration claims Operation Metro Surge is ending while ICE continues its crackdown. In response, the Democratic Party is demanding reforms to ICE as a condition for funding the Department of Homeland Security, leading to a government shutdown. However, the people of Minneapolis are not simply making demands of elected officials - they have organized themselves to protect their immigrant neighbors, putting forward community-based initiatives to resist ICE's reign of terror. The movement is calling for the abolition of ICE, rejecting the Democrats' reform proposals as an attempt to co-opt and contain the growing radicalization.

Why it matters

The movement against ICE in Minneapolis represents a significant escalation in the nationwide fight for immigrant rights. The community's rejection of the Democratic Party's reform proposals and their embrace of more radical demands, such as the abolition of ICE, signal a growing disillusionment with the political establishment's ability to address the systemic issues facing immigrant communities. This grassroots mobilization could inspire similar movements across the country and challenge the Democratic Party's attempts to regain control of the narrative around immigration.

The details

In response to the Trump administration's crackdown on immigrants, the Democratic Party is demanding reforms to ICE, including a requirement for federal agents to obtain warrants before entering private property, a prohibition on agents wearing masks to hide their identities, a requirement for body cameras, and limits on where agents can operate. However, the people of Minneapolis are not satisfied with these proposals and are instead calling for the total abolition of ICE. Thousands have organized themselves, putting forward community-based initiatives to protect their immigrant neighbors without waiting for elected officials to act.

  • The Trump administration claims that Operation Metro Surge in Minneapolis is ending, although caveats suggest otherwise.
  • The Democratic Party's demands for ICE reforms have led to a government shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, with no resolution expected anytime soon.

The players

Trump administration

The current federal government under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, which has implemented aggressive anti-immigrant policies and cracked down on immigrant communities.

Democratic Party

The opposition political party in the United States, which is currently demanding reforms to ICE as a condition for funding the Department of Homeland Security, in an attempt to co-opt the growing movement against the agency.

Rashida Tlaib

A U.S. Representative from Michigan who has called for the abolition of ICE, representing a more radical stance within the Democratic Party.

Ilhan Omar

A U.S. Representative from Minnesota who has also called for the abolition of ICE, aligning with the more radical demands of the grassroots movement in Minneapolis.

Tim Walz

The governor of Minnesota, who has been collaborating with the Trump administration to contain the growing movement against ICE in Minneapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.