Minneapolis, Jan. 21, 2026 – ❄️ When the thermometer dips below freezing, you might expect quiet sidewalks. But Wednesday's rally against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in downtown Minneapolis proved otherwise.
Two weeks after a woman was killed in her car by an ICE agent, dozens of protesters bundled up in coats and scarves marched along Hennepin Avenue, holding signs that read "ICE: Out of our homes" and "Protect Immigrant Lives." Their message was clear: they want ICE out of their city.
"We won't stay silent," said one organizer. "No more raids in our communities."
Participants shared hot drinks, chanted calls for justice, and exchanged stories of neighbors living in fear of surprise ICE raids. Many residents argue that local cooperation with federal immigration agents strains trust and drives families underground.
Students and young professionals, including residents from immigrant backgrounds, joined community activists to send a unified message: the city's streets should be safe for everyone. "It's about respect and human rights," said a University of Minnesota graduate student.
Organizers plan to keep the momentum going with weekly demonstrations until ICE operations are withdrawn from Minneapolis.
Reporting by Liu Xiaoqian
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
