Minneapolis Protests See Minimal Looting Compared to Past Unrest

Experts say the community-focused approach to the recent protests has helped avoid widespread property damage.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 5:50am

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On December 1, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated 'Operating Metro Surge' in Minneapolis, MN, deploying personnel from ICE and CBP. A general strike on January 23, 2026 involved 700 business closures and 15,000 protesters, but there was only one reported incident of looting targeting DHS vehicles. This stands in contrast to past protests like the 1992 LA riots and the unrest following George Floyd's killing, which saw widespread looting and property damage. Experts say the community-focused approach to the Minneapolis protests has helped avoid the kind of destruction seen in previous social uprisings.

Why it matters

The minimal looting in the Minneapolis protests highlights a shift in how communities are responding to social unrest, moving away from the destructive patterns of the past. This could have implications for how law enforcement and policymakers approach future protests and demonstrations.

The details

The only reported looting during the Minneapolis protests occurred on January 15th, when DHS vehicles were attacked by locals. This is a far cry from the response to the 2020 protests over George Floyd's killing, when President Trump tweeted 'When the looting starts, the shooting starts.' The 1992 LA riots also saw over 1,000 buildings destroyed with $1 billion in damage. Experts say the community-focused approach in Minneapolis, including the formation of groups like Black Visions, has helped channel anger into more constructive forms of protest.

  • On December 1, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiated 'Operating Metro Surge' in Minneapolis, MN.
  • On January 23, 2026, a general strike took place in Minneapolis, MN, involving some 700 business closures and an estimated 15,000 people protesting Metro Surge.
  • On January 15th, the only reported looting occurred when DHS vehicles were attacked by locals.

The players

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The U.S. federal department responsible for public security, including the deployment of personnel from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to Minneapolis.

Black Visions

A community organization led by African American gender nonconforming women that formed in the wake of George Floyd's killing to carry forward the demands of protesters.

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What they’re saying

“If protesters hadn't looted and burnt down that QuikTrip on the second day of protests, would Ferguson [MO] be a point of worldwide attention? It's impossible to know, but all the non-violent protests against police killings across the country that go unreported seem to indicate the answer is no.”

— Vicky Osterweil, Author of 'In Defense of Looting' (CounterPunch)

The takeaway

The Minneapolis protests have shown a shift away from the destructive patterns of past social unrest, with community-focused approaches helping to avoid widespread looting and property damage. This could serve as a model for how law enforcement and policymakers approach future demonstrations, focusing on de-escalation and addressing the underlying grievances of protesters.