Hundreds Attend ICE Observation Training in Moorhead

The training event was organized to teach residents how to safely and legally observe immigration enforcement operations.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 7:47am

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Over 300 people filled Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, Minnesota for a training event on how to safely and legally observe Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The event was organized by the Immigration Defense Network and offered attendees a handbook with information on the role of observers and guidelines for interacting with ICE agents.

Why it matters

The training comes amid concerns over immigration enforcement tactics and a desire by local residents to monitor ICE activities in their community. The event reflects growing grassroots efforts across the U.S. to document and scrutinize the actions of federal immigration authorities.

The details

The training event provided instruction on how observers should conduct themselves, including staying at least 8 feet away from ICE agents, avoiding physical contact, and documenting details like the number of people involved and the equipment agents are carrying. Attendees also received a handbook created by the COPAL Minnesota organization.

  • The training was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Shelly Carlson

The mayor of Moorhead who spoke at the event.

Heather Keeler

A Minnesota state representative who spoke about the importance of the community coming together in response to difficult circumstances.

Immigration Defense Network

The organization that organized the training event.

COPAL Minnesota

The member organization that created the handbook distributed to attendees.

Alex Pretti

The individual whose fatal shooting by law enforcement was referenced at the event.

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What they’re saying

“I think in the middle of crisis and hardship, you can find beauty in community. And I think this is a prime example of, in the middle of what feels heart-wrenching, we're showing up with love, and we're showing up collectively together. We're meeting new people, and we're making a commitment to stand firm for all of our neighbors here.”

— Heather Keeler, Minnesota State Representative

What’s next

The Immigration Defense Network plans to make the handbook available electronically on their website for those unable to attend the training event.

The takeaway

This training event reflects a growing grassroots movement across the U.S. to monitor and document the actions of federal immigration authorities, driven by concerns over enforcement tactics and a desire to protect immigrant communities.