A wave of protesters, numbering in the hundreds and including roughly one hundred members of the clergy, descended upon the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, triggering mass arrests and significant travel disruptions. The demonstration unfolded despite dangerously low temperatures, plunging well below zero degrees.
Access points to the airport were blocked, creating frustration and uncertainty for travelers already bracing for a severe winter storm. Passengers found themselves caught in the middle of the escalating situation, their journeys thrown into chaos.
The protest centered on opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations within Minnesota. Activists demanded airlines, particularly Delta and Signature Aviation, publicly oppose ICE’s presence in the state, using the hashtag #ICEOutOfMN to amplify their message.
Organizers from “Faith in Minnesota” documented the arrests, claiming over one hundred faith leaders were taken into custody during the demonstration. They asserted that over 2,000 deportations had passed through the airport, and highlighted instances of individuals being detained by ICE while at work or commuting.
Law enforcement officials confirmed more than one hundred arrests were made, though those detained were subsequently released. They were issued citations for trespassing and failing to comply with law enforcement directives.
Airport authorities stated they had worked with organizers to establish a designated protest area and participant limit, aiming to balance freedom of expression with the need for uninterrupted airport operations. However, when the protest exceeded the agreed-upon boundaries, police intervened to ensure public safety and maintain access to the terminal.
Airlines had advised travelers to arrive at least three hours before their scheduled flights in anticipation of the demonstrations. The disruption stemmed from ongoing protests against ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge,” a focused enforcement effort targeting individuals with criminal records in the Twin Cities area.
This operation has led to the arrest of individuals accused of serious crimes, including offenses like pedophilia, domestic abuse, and gang affiliation, adding another layer of complexity to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the protests.
