Since early January, thousands of ICE agents have been sent to the city, bringing confusion, violence, and chaos in their wake. Two people have been killed and hundreds have disappeared—but that isn’t the whole story. Thousands of residents have also mobilized in response.
Annie Kelly spoke with five people in Minneapolis about how they have been confronting ICE and the consequences they’ve faced. Patty O’Keefe describes her experience as a legal observer, including how ICE agents broke her windows and detained her. Jenny shares why seeing her father detained by ICE as a child has motivated her to stand up for others now. A teacher explains how the city has changed, and an organizer discusses why tactics have had to evolve as ICE strategies have advanced.
“We all grab a whistle before we leave. It’s kind of a running joke here: make sure you have your keys, phone, wallet, gloves—and now your whistle.”
Photograph: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Minneapolis Residents Protecting Neighbors from ICE
Beginner Definition Questions
1 What does protecting neighbors from ICE mean
It means taking communitybased actions to support and defend immigrant neighbors from potential detention or deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement This often involves knowing your rights creating safety plans and advocating for policies that limit local police collaboration with ICE
2 Who is ICE and what do they do
ICE is a federal agency that enforces immigration laws Their activities can include arresting detaining and deporting people who are undocumented or have certain immigration status issues
3 Why is this a topic in Minneapolis specifically
Minneapolis has a large and diverse immigrant community Local policies like the Minneapolis Sanctuary City resolution aim to limit city resources being used for federal immigration enforcement making community protection a key issue for residents
4 What is a sanctuary city policy
Its a local policy that limits how much local law enforcement and city employees cooperate with federal immigration enforcement In Minneapolis this generally means police wont ask about immigration status during routine interactions or hold someone for ICE without a judicial warrant
Practical Action Rights Questions
5 What should I do if I see ICE activity in my neighborhood
Do not interfere directly You can safely document the incident by recording video noting details like time location and vehicle IDs Immediately contact a trusted rapid response network or legal hotline to alert community defenders and legal observers
6 What are my rights if ICE approaches me or my neighbor
You have the right to remain silent You do not have to answer questions about your birthplace or immigration status You have the right to ask if they are an officer and to see a warrant You have the right to say I do not consent to a search You have the right to speak to a lawyer
7 What is an ICE warrant or administrative warrant and is it the same as a judicial warrant
No An
