Protest of proportions in Minneapolis, against the ICE operation. Businesses closed and children detained during raids. A general strike is called for
Thousands of protesters took to the streets in downtown Minneapolis in a solidarity rally against the operation “Metro Surge”carried out by the American authorities. “Metro Surge” is an operation of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with the stated purpose of arresting illegal immigrants and deporting them. Hundreds of businesses were closed on Friday in protest. Protest organizers are calling for ICE to withdraw from Minnesota.
Thousands marched in downtown Minneapolis. PHOTO: X/@wccoradio
Community members called for a day of no work, no school and no shopping, which they called “Truth and Freedom Day”. Several small business owners have called on political leaders to take action to limit the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state.
Thousands marched from US Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis to Target Center, where a rally was held inside the arena.
The protests are taking place amid incidents that have raised concerns among local residents.
Three activists arrested in connection with a demonstration at a church where the pastor is the head of a local ICE office were released Friday afternoon. Also, a two-year-old girl was detained with her father while they were returning from a grocery store in south Minneapolis, notes CBS News.
Also Friday, dozens of religious leaders were arrested during a protest at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, with organizers saying the action was aimed at demanding an end to ICE arrests in the area.
The Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, visiting Minneapolis on Thursday, blamed the tensions and violent incidents on “lack of cooperation” between local, state and federal agencies. In contrast, Minneapolis police have denied allegations that they refused requests for support from federal authorities.
During Friday's march, a teacher present at the protest said her students were living in fear. “Kids are afraid to wait for the bus, they're afraid for their friends, they're afraid for their families. They've been stopped, detained, questioned. They're afraid for their lives.” she said.
The organizers of the demonstration demand the withdrawal of ICE from Minnesota and the cessation of arrest operations, which, according to them, seriously affect immigrant communities and create a climate of tension and insecurity.
Federal immigration officials say they have the authority to forcefully enter people's homes without a warrant issued by a judge, according to an internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) memo obtained by The Associated Press. The document marks a major shift from long-standing practices and recommendations designed to respect constitutional limits on searches.
