UPDATE: A chaotic scene erupted at Clancey’s Deli in Minneapolis today as anti-ICE protesters mistakenly targeted a group of software engineers, believing them to be federal agents. The alarming incident unfolded around lunchtime when a mass text from the “SW Minneapolis Rapid Response” chat alerted demonstrators to the supposed presence of ICE agents in the restaurant.
The engineers, enjoying their meal, were caught off guard as dozens of protesters descended upon the deli, some peering through the windows and shouting insults. One engineer, identified as Lee, described the surreal moment: “My friend was shocked. He lives nearby and has eaten there before. Suddenly he’s seeing messages saying we’re ICE.”
As the engineers exited the deli, they faced a barrage of hostility, including loud whistles and aggressive chants. “You’re a f–king bootlicker bitch!” shouted one protester, while another exclaimed, “If you’re not with us, then you’re against us!” The engineers attempted to clarify their identity, stating, “We do custom apps for a whole bunch of companies around Minnesota and the country!” However, their explanations were met with skepticism.
Lee reported that some protesters labeled them “pedophiles” and that the crowd’s ringleader claimed they deserved the harassment due to their status as “white privileged males.” “You don’t just tell extremists that random customers are ICE agents,” Lee warned. “That’s how people get hurt.” He noted that while the engineers held various political views, the encounter left many reconsidering their perspectives on the escalating anti-ICE sentiment.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety and implications of misinformation in protest scenarios, especially as tensions surrounding immigration enforcement continue to rise. The involvement of the Trump administration’s Department of Justice has also added a layer of urgency to the ongoing debate over ICE practices.
What’s Next: Authorities are urging caution and clearer communication within activist circles to prevent further misunderstandings that could lead to violence. As this story develops, the impact of today’s events on both the tech community and the broader anti-ICE movement remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story continues to unfold.
