The Daily Planet is providing live coverage of the “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” protest in downtown Minneapolis. Reporters are on the ground following the march route from The Commons to Target Center. This page will be updated throughout the afternoon with observations, crowd counts, speaker remarks, and developments. All times are Central.
The protest comes in response to weeks of federal immigration operations across Minnesota and follows the January 7 shooting death of Renee Good by an ICE agent. Nearly 500 businesses statewide closed their doors today as part of a coordinated economic blackout. The march begins at 2 p.m. at The Commons, 425 Portland Ave. S., and will proceed approximately one mile north to Target Center at 600 1st Avenue N.
Refresh this page for the latest updates. The most recent updates appear at the top.
4:20 PM — Protesters stage in Target Center
The protest has culminated in the main lobby of Target Center. Thousands are staged inside asking for accountability from Minneapolis-based Target Corp. who remains silent around ICE operations.
4:00 PM — Protest approaches Target Center
The protest has now made its way to Target Center. Chants like “ICE out,” and “for good” were expressed as Minneapolitans continued to express further outrage against the American Federal Government and Trump Administration.
3:25 PM — Protesters proceed to Target Center on 3rd St.
Protesters have completely overtaken the central section of 3rd St. S as they march towards Target Center. Today’s demonstration is a show against ICE enforcement and economy over humanity, with many businesses closing in solidarity. Not all businesses could afford to do so, though.
3:20 PM — Central Library offers brief reprieve for frigid protesters
The Minneapolis Central Library, located along the protest route, is welcoming frosty protesters for break from the cold temperatures. A cafe has set up shop in the library’s second floor Doty Board Room, offering free coffee and snacks.
3:15 PM — Protester John Olsen speaks out
Protester John Olsen spoke with the Daily Planet regarding his decision to participate in this afternoon’s protest.
“It’s a difficult time,” Olsen explained through an icicle ridden beard. “I wanted to show up.”
John is from South Minneapolis.
2:45 PM — Thousands march towards Target Center
Thousands of protesters are proceeding to Target Center from The Commons near US Bank Stadium. Participants are chanting “ICE out” as the procession proceeds.
2:15 PM — Traffic and transit face disruptions
All traffic and transit areas around The Commons face disruption as thousands pour into the Downtown Minneapolis Park.
2:03 PM — Thousands head to The Commons in Downtown Minneapolis
Thousands of people are heading towards the commons in downtown Minneapolis to protest ICE operations in the state.
1:50 PM — Protesters gather throughout downtown
Protesters have been spotted in various downtown community hubs like IDS’s Crystal Court and the Hennepin County Central library this afternoon. Hundreds to thousands of people are expected to brave the cold temperatures.
12:30 PM — Reports indicate 100 peaceful protesters were arrested at MSP
KARE 11 has reported that law enforcement has arrested nearly 100 peaceful, clergy-led protesters at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport today. Police forces from Eden Prairie and Maple Grove, along with federal officials, were seen loading people into buses. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Airports Commission told KBJR that those arrested have been released from custody after being “issued misdemeanor citations for trespassing and failure to comply with a peace officer.”
12:00 PM — Clergy-led protesters picket MSP airport demanding Delta, Signature Aviation cut ties with ICE deportation operations
Faith leaders and community activists picketed Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Friday, demanding that Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation cease cooperation with federal immigration authorities conducting deportation flights from the facility.
