Garrison Gibson, age 38, recounted his ordeal with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a recent press conference. He described a terrifying and disorganized week following his arrest on January 11th. Federal immigration agents, wearing masks and carrying heavy weaponry, illegally breached the door of his north Minneapolis home before detaining him. Gibson’s testimony highlighted the distressing nature of the incident.
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A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction, restricting federal officers from retaliating against, arresting, or using nonlethal force on individuals peacefully protesting and observing immigration enforcement operations in the Minneapolis area. The ruling specifically addresses actions related to “Operation Metro Surge,” following a lawsuit from the ACLU-MN on behalf of community members who claimed their constitutional rights were violated by ICE. This decision comes after increased ICE activity in the Twin Cities, including the recent shooting death of legal observer Renee Nicole Good and a request from the plaintiffs’ lawyers for immediate action due to escalating violence. The court also clarified that following ICE vehicles at a safe distance does not constitute reasonable suspicion for a stop.
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Anti-ICE demonstrators chase off outnumbered far-right activists at Minneapolis rally.
Well, it seems like the spirit of Minneapolis is alive and well! Stories like these always bring a smile, and the recent clash between anti-ICE demonstrators and far-right activists certainly paints a vivid picture. Thirty years ago, back when I first arrived in Minneapolis, I recall learning about the city’s history with groups like SHARPS – Skin Heads Against Racial Prejudice. These folks, as I understand, had a firm handle on keeping the local Nazi skinheads from gaining any real foothold. It’s heartening to see that this tradition of standing up to hate continues today.… Continue reading
A Minnesota judge ruled that federal immigration officers in the Minneapolis area cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities. This decision stems from a case filed by six activists who have been observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol activities related to an immigration crackdown. The judge’s ruling prohibits detaining drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction and mandates probable cause or reasonable suspicion for arrests. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a statement after the ruling stating they would be taking appropriate and constitutional measures to uphold the rule of law.
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Trump Backs Down on Insurrection Act as Democrats Take the Offensive, but it’s Complicated.
The specter of the Insurrection Act loomed large, a chilling reminder of the potential for military intervention on U.S. soil. President Trump, at one point, seemed poised to unleash this power in Minneapolis, sending a wave of unease throughout the nation. The initial threat, however, soon faded as quickly as it arose, and the whole show pulled back from its threats, leaving many to wonder about the underlying calculations and the shifting dynamics at play. Was it a carefully calculated political move? A sudden change of heart?… Continue reading
In Minneapolis, a federal judge has ruled that immigration enforcement officers cannot detain or use tear gas on peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities. The ruling, stemming from a case filed by six activists observing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol operations, addresses clashes that have occurred since an immigration crackdown began last month. The judge’s decision specifically prohibits the detention of drivers and passengers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction, and also prevents arrests without probable cause. This ruling comes amidst another lawsuit filed by the state of Minnesota and two cities seeking to suspend the crackdown.
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Former President Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minneapolis, Minnesota, due to anti-ICE protests following the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent. Trump’s social media posts and the presence of federal agents, who critics call an “occupation,” have led to escalating tensions. Democratic representatives, such as Ilhan Omar and Kelly Morrison, have criticized the actions as a deliberate attempt to provoke unrest, with the ultimate goal of justifying a violent crackdown. Though Trump claimed “many” presidents have used the act, it has been infrequently invoked, and its use is controversial, particularly when it comes to deploying active-duty forces to Democratic-led cities.
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Amid rising tensions and protests in Minneapolis, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem defended ICE agents’ actions, stating that they may request identification during targeted enforcement operations. She insisted that all actions taken by ICE officers adhere to legal protocols. Noem’s comments followed reports of federal agents detaining U.S. citizens, including incidents caught on video. Furthermore, she did not advise Americans to carry proof of citizenship, and stated that the agents were doing everything correctly.
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Federal officers shot a man in the leg during a traffic stop attempt Wednesday night in Minneapolis, approximately twelve miles from where an ICE officer fatally shot a woman last week. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the shooting occurred after law enforcement officials were attacked with a shovel or broom while attempting the stop of a Venezuelan man in the country illegally. Tensions are high due to increased federal immigration enforcement and the recent death, prompting calls for calm from city officials and a request for federal immigration authorities to leave the city and state. The incident led to protests and the deployment of pepper spray by agents, while the shooting of the woman last week is still under investigation by the FBI.
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Following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, Minneapolis residents report an escalation of violence and intimidation tactics by ICE agents. Videos and accounts depict ICE officers threatening residents, employing aggressive methods such as ramming vehicles and using chemical irritants. Observers on the ground describe a “war zone” atmosphere, citing ICE’s expanded targeting to include those who oppose their agenda. Right-wing figures and organizations have rallied in support of the officer who shot Good, further increasing tensions and fear within the community.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Judge Rules ICE Cannot Retaliate Against Minnesota Protesters
A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction, restricting federal officers from retaliating against, arresting, or using nonlethal force on individuals peacefully protesting and observing immigration enforcement operations in the Minneapolis area. The ruling specifically addresses actions related to “Operation Metro Surge,” following a lawsuit from the ACLU-MN on behalf of community members who claimed their constitutional rights were violated by ICE. This decision comes after increased ICE activity in the Twin Cities, including the recent shooting death of legal observer Renee Nicole Good and a request from the plaintiffs’ lawyers for immediate action due to escalating violence. The court also clarified that following ICE vehicles at a safe distance does not constitute reasonable suspicion for a stop.
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