Protest against Immigration Enforcement in Minneapolis
Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested by police while demonstrating against immigration enforcement at Minnesota’s largest airport. Despite Arctic temperatures, several thousand people gathered in downtown Minneapolis to protest against the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration.
The clergy members were issued misdemeanor citations for trespassing and failure to comply with a peace officer. They were arrested outside the main terminal at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for going beyond their demonstration permit and disrupting airline operations.
Rev. Mariah Furness Tollgaard of Hamline Church in St. Paul stated that they chose to be arrested to show support for migrants, including members of their congregation who fear leaving their homes.
Protesters have been gathering daily in the Twin Cities against the increased immigration enforcement by the Trump administration. The movement has garnered support from labor unions, progressive organizations, and clergy members.
An FBI supervisory agent in Minnesota resigned over the Justice Department’s handling of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer. The initial autopsy report classified Good’s death as a homicide.
A 2-year-old child was reunited with her mother after being detained with her father by immigration officers. The child and her father have pending asylum applications and were not subject to removal orders.
Another 5-year-old, Liam Ramos, was detained along with his father by immigration officers. The father was arrested during a targeted enforcement operation, and both are currently detained together in Texas.
The protests in Minnesota have led to the closure of more than 700 businesses statewide in solidarity with the movement. Organizers believe they are achieving something historic with the widespread support.
