Several hundred community members gathered at Nymore Park in Bemidji, Minnesota, on January 25, 2024, to express their opposition to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in the Twin Cities. Despite frigid temperatures of -7 degrees Celsius, with a windchill of -15, attendees united to convey a clear message against ICE and its impact on local communities.
Participants organized themselves into formations that spelled out phrases such as “ICE out of MN,” “Bemidji says ‘No’ to ICE,” and “Love people, not ICE,” which were captured by a drone overhead. This initiative emerged from a small group of local residents who have come together in recent weeks amid heightened tensions involving federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota. They collaborated with a drone pilot to facilitate the aerial display.
“It’s devastating and horrifying to witness this kind of activity in our communities,” said the drone operator, who preferred to remain anonymous. “We cannot accept this in our state or our country, and we want ICE out.”
While standing in formation, attendees chanted slogans and honored the names of two individuals, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were recently killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. As they shifted to create new phrases, the event’s organizer, who also chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, thanked everyone for enduring the harsh weather to participate in the protest.
“This is a significant turnout for a small town,” the organizer remarked. “It shows heart, courage, and a desire to voice concerns about what is happening in our state. Thank you all for being here.”
Protesters displayed signs with messages including “Be the salt, love melts ICE,” “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and “ICE out now.” One attendee, who opted to remain unnamed for safety, expressed her motivation for joining the protest, stating, “I wanted to stand with many others to show that the rise of fascism in our state is unacceptable.”
As a native of Minneapolis, she described her feelings of being torn between two homes, fearing for the safety of friends and family still living in the Twin Cities. “Even though my friends and family are physically safe right now, there is significant mental devastation affecting people,” she noted. “This creates trauma for a new generation, not just for Minnesotans, but for Americans as a whole.”
The organizers were encouraged by the turnout for the hour-long demonstration, which was primarily promoted through word of mouth. “Our civil rights and human rights are regularly violated, and everyone deserves these rights, regardless of status, color, age, or race,” another organizer remarked. “To see this many people come out on such a cold day shows how important it is for everyone here to speak out.”
The gathering underscores a growing sentiment among community members regarding the increasing presence of ICE in Minnesota and reflects a broader call for action and solidarity among those affected by federal immigration policies.
