ICE Actions: Clergy Arrested at Minneapolis Airport Amid Growing Protests Over
ICE Actions: Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport after staging a protest against United States immigration enforcement practices. The demonstration, organized by faith-based and community groups, focused on opposing cooperation between airlines and federal immigration authorities. The arrests took place after protesters blocked key roadways near the airport’s main departures terminal, drawing national attention to ongoing immigration debates in Minnesota.
Protest at Airport Terminal Escalates
According to organizers, local police detained the clergy members after they obstructed traffic in the Terminal 1 departures area. The protest was coordinated by Faith in Minnesota, a coalition of religious leaders and advocacy groups. Participants included pastors, ministers, rabbis, and other faith representatives who said they were engaging in peaceful civil disobedience to highlight what they described as harmful immigration enforcement practices.
Calls for Airlines to Cut ICE Ties
Demonstrators specifically urged major aviation companies operating at the airport to stop assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Protest leaders named Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation, claiming these companies have supported deportation flights and logistical operations connected to immigration enforcement. Organizers argued that corporate cooperation plays a significant role in enabling deportations from Minnesota.
Fatal Shooting Sparks Widespread Anger
Tensions surrounding immigration enforcement have sharply increased following a fatal incident earlier this month. Local media reported that ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot and killed Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother and United States citizen, during an enforcement operation on January 7. The incident has become a flashpoint for public anger, leading to daily protests across the Minneapolis metropolitan area and renewed scrutiny of federal immigration actions.
Prayer, Hymns, and Personal Stories
At the airport, clergy members engaged in prayer, sang hymns, and shared personal stories of individuals and families affected by detention and deportation. Organizers said the demonstration was intentionally rooted in faith traditions, emphasizing compassion, justice, and human dignity. Faith leaders described the gathering as both a protest and a vigil for those impacted by immigration policies.
Claims of Deportations and Worker Arrests
Faith in Minnesota stated that Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport has been used to deport an estimated 2,000 people over time. In addition, labor union representatives reported that ICE has arrested at least 12 airport workers during enforcement operations. These claims have intensified concerns among labor groups, religious organizations, and immigrant rights advocates.
Statewide Economic Blackout Movement
The airport protest was part of a broader statewide action titled “ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom.” Organizing groups said more than 700 businesses across Minnesota closed voluntarily in solidarity. Residents were encouraged to avoid work, shopping, and school participation for the day, creating what organizers described as an economic blackout to draw attention to immigration issues.
Separate Protest at Federal Building
In a related demonstration, protesters blocked an access road to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, which houses immigration enforcement offices. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said demonstrators held their position for several hours. Authorities reported that before dispersal orders were issued, some protesters threw chunks of ice at passing vehicles, resulting in broken windows.
Law Enforcement Response and Ongoing Debate
Local officials emphasized public safety concerns while acknowledging the right to protest. The arrests at the airport and the federal building underscore the growing intensity of immigration-related activism in Minnesota. As protests continue, the situation reflects a wider national debate over immigration enforcement, accountability, and the role of local institutions in federal operations.