Minneapolis Sees Protests Against Federal Immigration Enforcement: 100 Clergy Arrested

In a poignant display of solidarity, about 100 clergy members were arrested during a rally at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, as thousands joined them to protest against the federal government’s immigration enforcement actions. Despite freezing temperatures, the gathering drew attention to the urgent issues facing immigrant communities in Minnesota.

This event is part of a larger movement against the Trump administration’s heightened immigration enforcement in the state. Labor unions, progressive groups, and communities of faith have come together to encourage Minnesotans to take a stand by staying away from work, school, and even local shops to voice their dissent.

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Jeff Lea, shared that the clergy members received misdemeanor citations for trespassing and failing to comply with police orders. They were arrested just outside the airport’s main terminal for disrupting airline operations. After spending a brief time in custody, they were released, but their message for justice was clear.

Rev. Mariah Furness Tollgaard from Hamline Church in St. Paul was among those arrested. She described the moment police instructed them to leave, but instead of complying, they chose to stand their ground and accept arrest to express their commitment to supporting migrants. “We cannot abide living under this federal occupation of Minnesota,” stated Tollgaard, highlighting the anxiety that many in her congregation feel about the threat of deportation.

One of the rally participants, Rev. Elizabeth Barish Browne, traveled from Cheyenne, Wyoming. Standing in the biting cold, she remarked, “What’s happening here is clearly immoral. It’s definitely chilly, but the kind of ice that’s dangerous to us is not the weather.” Her words resonated with many at the rally, emphasizing that the true danger lay in the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Since January 7, daily protests have taken place in the Twin Cities. The movement gained momentum after the tragic shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good by an ICE officer, which has deeply affected the community. Many residents have voiced their fears regarding ICE operations in their neighborhoods. Sam Nelson, who joined the march, expressed his concern about the increasing presence of federal agents, stating, “It’s my community. Like everyone else, I don’t want ICE on our streets.”

Support for the movement has been significant, with reports indicating that over 700 businesses across Minnesota closed their doors in solidarity with the protests. From a small bookstore in Grand Marais to the iconic Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis, the collective action shows a growing dissatisfaction with current immigration policies. Kate Havelin, an organizer from Indivisible Twin Cities, expressed optimism, noting, “We’re achieving something historic.”

Adding urgency to the rally, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed detentions involving young children. A two-year-old girl named Chloe was detained with her father while returning from grocery shopping, prompting a widespread outcry. The department claimed Chloe’s mother refused custody, resulting in her temporary placement with her father in federal detention.

Liam Ramos, another child, became trapped in a similar situation when federal agents arrested his father. DHS stated that Liam was detained because his father fled during the arrest, causing significant concern about the welfare of these innocent children in such precarious situations. Legal representatives have highlighted the often traumatic experiences families endure during these operations.

As details surrounding these detentions unfold, the community remains hopeful for change. The initial autopsy report for Renee Good indicates her death was a homicide, reigniting focus on the serious consequences of immigration enforcement actions. Activists and community leaders are calling for accountability, seeking justice for Renee and support for those affected by deportations and arrests.

Amidst the heated debate surrounding immigration, the Minneapolis protests signify a pivotal moment in standing up for human rights and social justice. As more individuals join this movement, the call for compassion and reform continues to grow.

The struggle for justice and equity in the immigration system is far from over, and the voices of the clergy, community members, and activists will persist in demanding change.

JusticeForRenee #NoICE #MinnesotaProtests #HumanRights #ClergyForChange #CommunitySolidarity #ImmigrationReform

Original Text – https://fortune.com/2026/01/23/minneapolis-icy-ice-rally-sees-100-clergy-arrested-as-thousands-protest-federal-occupation/