Mid-MO Activist hosts anti-ICE protest in Columbia

Dozens brave cold to call for abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Joining a nationwide movement, protesters gathered outside the Daniel Boone City Building in Columbia, Missouri on Friday afternoon to call for the abolition of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and to stand in solidarity with immigrant communities. Despite temperatures dipping into the teens, dozens attended the protest organized by local activist group Mid-MO Activist.

Why it matters

The protest was part of a nationwide 'no work, no school, no shopping' shutdown organized by activist groups as outrage against the Trump administration's current immigration crackdown continues to grow. Tensions have heightened following recent deaths of immigrants by federal agents, and the protest reflects growing concerns about increased police presence and a 'culture of fear' in the community.

The details

Demonstrators held signs, played drums, and marched through downtown Columbia, chanting that 'immigrants are welcome' and calling for an end to 'ICE terror.' Speakers at the protest, including local activist Izn Hasan, voiced support for immigrant communities and the belief that this is just the start of a bigger movement for change.

  • The protest took place on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Mid-MO Activist

A local activist group in Columbia, Missouri that organized the protest and encourages the idea that 'activism is for everybody.'

Alice Carter

A Columbia resident and member of Mid-MO Activist who expressed concerns about increased police presence and a 'culture of fear' in the community.

Izn Hasan

A protester and immigrant who gave a speech at the event, stating that this movement is 'not just about immigrants' but 'about every working man and woman and nonbinary (person) in this country.'

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What they’re saying

“In the past two, three years, there's definitely been an increase in police presence, particularly downtown, and even regardless of intent, often that creates like kind of a culture of fear that I worry about, and I hope that it doesn't stop people from protesting or stop people from making their voice heard.”

— Alice Carter, Mid-MO Activist member

“I myself am an immigrant, and it's really what galvanized me to start organizing and protesting. I think Americans are finally starting to wake up and understand that this is a situation that isn't just about immigrants. It isn't just about leftists. This is about every working man and woman and nonbinary (person) in this country.”

— Izn Hasan

What’s next

Organizers hope the protest will inspire continued activism and community engagement to push for changes to immigration policies and practices.

The takeaway

The protest reflects growing concerns about increased immigration enforcement and its impact on local communities, as well as a desire among activists to build a broader movement for social and economic justice that goes beyond just immigration issues.