Several hundred community members gathered at Nymore Park in Bemidji, Minnesota, on January 25, 2024, to protest against the presence of federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the state. Despite frigid temperatures of -7 degrees Celsius and a windchill of -15 degrees, attendees united to voice their opposition and support those affected by federal immigration policies.
Participants formed formations that spelled out messages for a drone above, including “ICE out of MN,” “Bemidji says ‘No’ to ICE,” and “Love people, not ICE.” The initiative originated from a small group of local residents who sought to raise awareness as tensions escalated between communities and federal immigration officers in Minnesota. One organizer connected with a drone pilot to capture the visual protest from above.
“It’s devastating and horrifying to see this kind of thing happening in our communities throughout this state,” said the drone operator. “We can’t have that in our state, in our country, and we want ICE out.”
As the crowd shifted to form new phrases, they chanted the names of individuals, including Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both of whom were recently killed by federal agents in Minneapolis. An anonymous organizer expressed gratitude to the attendees who braved the cold, noting, “This is a huge number of people for a small town, and it shows a lot of heart and courage to say what’s happening in our state.”
Protesters held signs with messages such as “Be the salt, love melts ICE,” “No one is illegal on stolen land,” and “ICE out now.” One attendee, who preferred to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, articulated their motivations for joining the demonstration. “I came out to be a body amongst many, to show that this uptick in fascism is not acceptable to the people anymore,” they stated.
The protest resonated deeply with attendees. A Minneapolis native shared their feelings of division between their current home and their roots, saying, “Even though my friends and family are safe physically at the moment, there’s so much mental devastation happening. This is creating trauma for a whole new generation of not just Minnesotans, but Americans as a whole.”
Organizers were pleased with the turnout for the hour-long demonstration, emphasizing that it was largely spread through word of mouth. “Our civil rights and human rights are being violated regularly, and everyone deserves those rights, no matter their status, color, age, or race,” another organizer stated. “To see this many people come out on such a cold day shows how important it is for everyone here to speak out.”
The protest not only highlighted local concerns but also reflected a broader national dialogue regarding immigration policies and human rights. As community members continue to rally for change, events like this serve to amplify voices and foster solidarity among those affected by federal actions.
