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In a powerful display of civil disobedience, dozens of clergy gathered at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on January 23, 2026, to protest against the recent surge of immigration enforcement in the Twin Cities. Faith leaders sang hymns and engaged in prayer to draw attention to the deployment of numerous U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the area, which has led to community unrest.
This protest was part of a broader initiative called “ICE OUT! Day of Action,” during which many local businesses closed in solidarity. Organizers indicated that workers across Minnesota participated in what they termed a general strike, marching through the streets to express their opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies.
Protest details and arrests
As the day progressed, clergy members demonstrated their commitment to the cause despite frigid temperatures. Reports indicate that approximately 100 clergy members were arrested as they knelt on the road, refusing to disperse when ordered by law enforcement. They were swiftly zip-tied and transported away in buses. Eyewitness accounts noted that the protesters did not resist arrest, highlighting the peaceful nature of their demonstration.
One central demand from the clergy was to seek legal accountability for the ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen, Renee Good, earlier that month. Good’s tragic death has become a rallying point for many in Minnesota, amplifying calls for justice and change in immigration enforcement practices.
Community response and solidarity
The protest was not solely a religious endeavor; it united various community members, including labor unions and local activists. Many participants expressed frustration with the federal government’s recent actions, which they believe target and endanger immigrant communities. Miguel Hernandez, a community organizer, emphasized that the event was a statement of solidarity, showcasing the pain experienced by many in their neighborhoods.
“This is about more than just immigration; it’s about the safety and dignity of our community,” he stated, underscoring the impact of ICE’s operations on local families.
Reactions from officials and the community
The Trump administration’s response to the protests included calls for cooperation with local leaders to mitigate tensions following weeks of confrontations between ICE agents and demonstrators. Vice President JD Vance visited Minneapolis to defend the actions of ICE, stating that the administration was committed to lowering the temperature of the situation.
However, many Minnesota residents have voiced their anger over the administration’s crackdown on immigrants, which has been characterized as an invasion by local officials. The protests drew crowds that filled the streets, chanting messages of unity and support for immigrants while expressing their discontent with the federal government’s policies.
Corporate silence amid protests
Despite the significant public outcry, major corporations based in Minnesota, including Target and UnitedHealth, have largely remained silent on the issue. This lack of response has drawn criticism, especially as local leaders have pressed these companies to clarify their positions regarding ICE activities at their facilities. Community members are urging corporations to stand in solidarity with the workers affected by ICE’s actions.
As protests continued, organizers highlighted the need for a collective response to the ongoing crisis, urging every individual in the community to come together in support of their neighbors. The message is clear: the fight against unjust immigration practices is not just a local struggle but a national imperative.