ICE's Military Presence in Minneapolis: Militarization or Just Business as Usual?
The Trump administration's escalating crackdown on immigration has led to increased tensions in Minneapolis, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have been met with fierce resistance. As the federal government prepares for potential military deployment, organizers are questioning whether a more drastic measure would significantly impact conditions.
According to Christa Sarrack, president of Unite Here Local 17, a Minnesota hospitality workers union, union members are afraid to go to work due to ICE's presence, which seems to prioritize the color of an individual's skin over immigration status. This fear has led many to stay home and avoid working in hotels, airports, and other locations where ICE is present.
The city-wide general strike, dubbed "ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom," was a response to this persecution. Organizers called for an economic blackout, with participants refusing to work and shop. The event also highlighted the need for rent control measures to support families affected by ICE's operations.
Despite Governor Tim Walz's call for ICE to leave the state, tensions between state and federal authorities remain high. Trump has ordered military deployment preparations and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which could lead to active duty military presence in Minneapolis.
Shannon Gibney, an organizer with Minneapolis Families for Public Schools, expressed hope that this action would draw attention to the issue. She noted a recent House bill funneling $10 billion into ICE, despite seven Democrats voting in favor.
Gibney highlighted the desperation faced by families affected by ICE's operations, who struggle with basic needs such as food and rent due to fear of deportation. Organizers have been working to deliver essential goods to these families since ICE began its crackdown on Minnesota.
Jill Garvey, co-director of States at the Core, a rapid response organization working in states affected by ICE, believes that even military deployment would not significantly change conditions in Minneapolis. She argues that deploying armed forces would escalate tensions and fear, potentially normalizing such developments for other cities.
The reality is that Minneapolis is already overwhelmed with armed ICE presence, making it difficult for people to navigate their daily lives without interacting with the agency. One issue that has sparked controversy is the use of "less lethal force" against Americans, which does not deter protesters from taking a stand against ICE.
As the conflict between state and federal authorities continues, one thing remains clear: Minneapolis will continue to resist ICE's aggressive tactics, no matter what form they take.
The Trump administration's escalating crackdown on immigration has led to increased tensions in Minneapolis, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations have been met with fierce resistance. As the federal government prepares for potential military deployment, organizers are questioning whether a more drastic measure would significantly impact conditions.
According to Christa Sarrack, president of Unite Here Local 17, a Minnesota hospitality workers union, union members are afraid to go to work due to ICE's presence, which seems to prioritize the color of an individual's skin over immigration status. This fear has led many to stay home and avoid working in hotels, airports, and other locations where ICE is present.
The city-wide general strike, dubbed "ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom," was a response to this persecution. Organizers called for an economic blackout, with participants refusing to work and shop. The event also highlighted the need for rent control measures to support families affected by ICE's operations.
Despite Governor Tim Walz's call for ICE to leave the state, tensions between state and federal authorities remain high. Trump has ordered military deployment preparations and threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, which could lead to active duty military presence in Minneapolis.
Shannon Gibney, an organizer with Minneapolis Families for Public Schools, expressed hope that this action would draw attention to the issue. She noted a recent House bill funneling $10 billion into ICE, despite seven Democrats voting in favor.
Gibney highlighted the desperation faced by families affected by ICE's operations, who struggle with basic needs such as food and rent due to fear of deportation. Organizers have been working to deliver essential goods to these families since ICE began its crackdown on Minnesota.
Jill Garvey, co-director of States at the Core, a rapid response organization working in states affected by ICE, believes that even military deployment would not significantly change conditions in Minneapolis. She argues that deploying armed forces would escalate tensions and fear, potentially normalizing such developments for other cities.
The reality is that Minneapolis is already overwhelmed with armed ICE presence, making it difficult for people to navigate their daily lives without interacting with the agency. One issue that has sparked controversy is the use of "less lethal force" against Americans, which does not deter protesters from taking a stand against ICE.
As the conflict between state and federal authorities continues, one thing remains clear: Minneapolis will continue to resist ICE's aggressive tactics, no matter what form they take.
it's not right that they have to choose between their jobs and staying safe. I think we need to stand with them and support organizations like States at the Core that are doing important work to deliver essential goods to these families.
. Can't believe we're even having this conversation - militarizing the US is not the answer to immigration issues. We need real solutions, like expanding job programs and affordable housing 
. This whole thing reeks of racism and profiting off people's fears 
. The fact that ICE is using "less lethal force" on Americans is sickening 
. We need to stand with these protesters, not against them 
. Can we please focus on real change, like rent control and economic support for families affected by ICE? 
. It’s like, come on guys, we need to stand up against this kind of systemic racism and xenophobia, not just in Minneapolis but everywhere 
.
. The thing is, some people might see it as a way to assert control or show that the feds are not messing around, but really it’s just gonna create more fear and anxiety for everyone involved 
.
We need to start holding our leaders accountable and pushing for real change 
but seriously think about the families caught in the middle here they're struggling to get food & rent on time because of this fear of deportation it's not about being anti-ice its about people having their lives disrupted by these agents in uniform 
The whole "less lethal force" thing is just crazy talk... what's next, police officers carrying Tasers to their jobs? 
As for Governor Walz calling for ICE to leave the state, can't he just be more direct and stop playing politics with this issue? 
I think we're getting too caught up in the idea that there needs to be a big, bold statement on both sides. Sometimes it's better to just find common ground and try to solve problems collaboratively 
. We gotta demand better, folks! A city-wide general strike might seem extreme, but what's more extreme is living in fear. I think Jill Garvey makes a valid point, though - we need to stop normalizing this kind of militarization. It's time for us to take back our streets and make sure everyone's treated with dignity, regardless of their immigration status 
.
ICEs military presence in minneapolis is NOT the answer, it's just more of the same old same old, more militarization and less human rights 
. It feels like ICE is just looking for an excuse to intimidate people, rather than actually addressing the problems they claim to be solving 
. Maybe we can look into community-based solutions that provide essential goods and services to those in need 
. That way, everyone wins 
.