Minneapolis Protests Evoke 1850s Fight for Fugitive Slaves

Polarization and gun violence shadow the latest civil disobedience in Minneapolis

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A year after Donald Trump's return to the White House, protests in Minneapolis are drawing parallels to the 1850s fight for fugitive slaves. The events underscore the enduring tension between federal authority and individual conscience, particularly when fundamental human rights are at stake. The protests are also shadowed by unresolved gun violence cases, including the tragic deaths of two young girls, Aniya Allen and Trinity Ottoson-Smith. The lenient sentence given to a straw purchaser who illegally obtained dozens of firearms has sparked outrage, highlighting the system's failure to deter such crimes and address the root causes of gun violence.

Why it matters

The Minneapolis protests, while focused on immigration, draw a striking parallel to the 1850s resistance to federal fugitive slave laws, underscoring the deep divisions in American society. The gun violence cases and the lenient sentencing for the straw purchaser further illustrate the complex challenges facing the nation, from systemic racism to the need for stricter gun control measures.

The details

Recent acts of civil disobedience in Minneapolis, protesting federal immigration policy, are reminiscent of the 1850s resistance to the Fugitive Slave Act. Both instances represent a direct challenge to federal authority, fueled by deeply held moral convictions and a sense of injustice. The protests in Minneapolis are also shadowed by the unresolved cases of Aniya Allen and Trinity Ottoson-Smith, two young girls whose lives were tragically cut short by gun violence. William Earl Burton, 27, of Blaine, was sentenced to just under three years in prison for illegally purchasing dozens of firearms that contributed to a surge in criminal activity, including these two murders. Authorities have only recovered 17 of the 43 guns Burton illegally purchased, and the cases of Aniya Allen and Trinity Ottoson-Smith remain open.

  • In February 2026, William Earl Burton was sentenced to 33 months in prison for illegally purchasing 43 firearms over a nine-month period.
  • On February 9, 2026, Burton was sentenced for his role in the straw purchases that contributed to the deaths of Aniya Allen and Trinity Ottoson-Smith.

The players

William Earl Burton

A 27-year-old resident of Blaine, Minnesota, who was sentenced to 33 months in prison for illegally purchasing dozens of firearms that were linked to robberies, shootings, and the murders of two young girls.

Aniya Allen

A young girl whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence in Minneapolis.

Trinity Ottoson-Smith

Another young girl whose life was tragically cut short by gun violence in Minneapolis.

KG Wilson

The grandfather of Aniya Allen, who criticized the lenient sentence given to William Earl Burton.

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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)

“The nightmare continues.”

— KG Wilson, Aniya Allen's grandfather (Local media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow William Earl Burton out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the deep divisions in American society, the need for stricter gun control measures, and the failure of the justice system to adequately address the root causes of gun violence and hold accountable those who facilitate it.