Fighting for the Soul of Minnesota: A Community's Uprising Against ICE
In a state that prides itself on its progressive values, Minneapolis has become a battleground in the fight against Donald Trump's mass deportation tactics. The city's residents have come together to defend their neighbors from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), using a range of creative strategies to outsmart the federal agents.
For many Minnesotans, the decision to get involved was prompted by the killings of two observers, Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, who were filming ICE agents. The victims' deaths sparked widespread outrage, and Cory, a south Minneapolis resident, felt compelled to join the fight. Despite the dangers, he continued to document ICE agents' movements, even after being hit with pepper spray.
The resistance is built on a foundation of community engagement, worker unions, and a network of non-profits, faith communities, and advocacy groups. Neighborhoods that banded together after George Floyd's death in 2020 have reignited their networks, creating a powerful coalition against ICE.
Tens of thousands of Minnesotans have taken up the cause, using tactics such as car patrols, documentation, and community-led groups to defend their neighbors. The movement has also seen a surge in economic activism, with businesses switching to donation-based models and individuals donating to mutual aid networks.
The impact of the resistance is being felt nationwide. A recent survey found that 23% of likely voters had participated in protests or taken other actions against ICE, despite the risks. Local organizations have pulled off economic blackouts and large rallies, attracting supporters from across the country.
At the forefront of the resistance are community leaders, including women who have lost loved ones to ICE's brutal tactics. They are using their voices to demand action from local officials and the federal government.
As one resident, Lori Gesch, a proud "Granny against ICE," put it: "If they want to take me down – go for it. But I just wanted to show them I'm not afraid."
The fight is far from over, but the outpouring of support in Minnesota serves as a beacon of hope for communities across the country. As Cory, one of the initial observers who sparked the movement, said: "I don't think we can take our foot off the gas until we know our neighbors are safe."
In a state that prides itself on its progressive values, Minneapolis has become a battleground in the fight against Donald Trump's mass deportation tactics. The city's residents have come together to defend their neighbors from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), using a range of creative strategies to outsmart the federal agents.
For many Minnesotans, the decision to get involved was prompted by the killings of two observers, Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good, who were filming ICE agents. The victims' deaths sparked widespread outrage, and Cory, a south Minneapolis resident, felt compelled to join the fight. Despite the dangers, he continued to document ICE agents' movements, even after being hit with pepper spray.
The resistance is built on a foundation of community engagement, worker unions, and a network of non-profits, faith communities, and advocacy groups. Neighborhoods that banded together after George Floyd's death in 2020 have reignited their networks, creating a powerful coalition against ICE.
Tens of thousands of Minnesotans have taken up the cause, using tactics such as car patrols, documentation, and community-led groups to defend their neighbors. The movement has also seen a surge in economic activism, with businesses switching to donation-based models and individuals donating to mutual aid networks.
The impact of the resistance is being felt nationwide. A recent survey found that 23% of likely voters had participated in protests or taken other actions against ICE, despite the risks. Local organizations have pulled off economic blackouts and large rallies, attracting supporters from across the country.
At the forefront of the resistance are community leaders, including women who have lost loved ones to ICE's brutal tactics. They are using their voices to demand action from local officials and the federal government.
As one resident, Lori Gesch, a proud "Granny against ICE," put it: "If they want to take me down – go for it. But I just wanted to show them I'm not afraid."
The fight is far from over, but the outpouring of support in Minnesota serves as a beacon of hope for communities across the country. As Cory, one of the initial observers who sparked the movement, said: "I don't think we can take our foot off the gas until we know our neighbors are safe."
This whole thing about Minnesotans fighting back against ICE is actually kinda cool, but I've gotta fact-check some stuff 
. From what I've seen, there's been some protests and rallies in Minneapolis, but can we confirm if the two observers who got killed were indeed filming ICE agents? 
And how many people exactly are involved in these car patrols and economic activism efforts? The 23% of likely voters who participated in protests against ICE seems like a pretty big number, though... maybe that's something worth digging into more 
.
. I mean, filming them from a distance is one thing, but getting hit with pepper spray? That's wild. Minnesota's community has really come together on this one, though - all those car patrols and economic blackouts are super impressive. And it's amazing that people are standing up for each other like that 
.
. They're not afraid to speak out and demand action from officials, and I think that's really powerful. It's not just about getting their voices heard - it's about creating real change.
. And Cory's right - we can't let our foot off the gas until everyone is safe and sound 
. This is what community looks like, folks!
they're not afraid to stand up for what's right and their neighbors' lives matter. ICE is a total overreach of federal power & I think it's amazing how the people in Minneapolis are using creative tactics to outsmart them. From car patrols to economic activism, everyone's getting involved! 
It's about time we saw some real resistance against Trump's policies. These community leaders are truly inspiring, especially those who've lost loved ones to ICE's brutality 
. It's heartening to see local businesses adopting donation-based models and individuals banding together through mutual aid networks 
. However, one can't help but wonder about the long-term sustainability of this movement 
.
. It's amazing to see how much impact this movement has had nationwide, with people from all over coming to support the cause. And can we talk about the economic activism?! Businesses switching to donation-based models is a GAME CHANGER 
. This fight may not be over yet, but with the outpouring of support in Minnesota, I know we can make a change for the better 
!
. But seriously, it's cute how they're all banding together and using tactics like car patrols... until someone gets arrested or hurt, then it's like "Oops, who knew that would happen?" 
. And don't even get me started on the economic activism... because what's more effective than a bunch of businesses voluntarily giving up money to a cause? 
️
how people from all walks of life coming together 
it's amazing to see how powerful community organizing can be 
it gives me hope that change is possible 
, but you still have to invite her because she brings the stuffing 
. Minnesota's all, "Hey ICE, we're not afraid of you!" and then proceeds to outsmart you with car patrols and donation-based models 
. And honestly, if they want to take her down, they're gonna have to go through all of Minnesota first 
ICE agents gotta be so lucky to have such an awesome community against 'em 
. And the fact that Minnesotans are bandin' together like this is a total game changer - it's not just about stoppin' ICE, it's about showin' 'em they ain't welcome no more 
. Economic activism is killin' it too 
. I'm lovin' the idea of these community leaders speakin' out and demandin' action - we need more people with Lori Gesch's bravery 