Following the death of Renee Good in Minnesota last week, a growing number of residents in the Twin Cities area are actively working to counter the presence and activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These residents are forming and joining decentralized networks of activists dedicated to informing their neighbors about ICE activity in their communities.
The efforts gained increased visibility after Good was shot by an ICE officer on January 8, 2026, in Minneapolis. According to Madison McVan, a reporter for the Minnesota Reformer, these activists patrol their neighborhoods, looking for ICE officers. Once located, they alert their networks and follow the officers to keep neighbors informed of ICE's whereabouts within the city.
McVan, who observed the activists firsthand, described their tactics. She spoke with Today, Explained co-host Noel King about her experiences. These patrols have sometimes resulted in tense confrontations with ICE officers.
The Trump administration has criticized these actions, with some officials labeling them as domestic terrorism. However, activists maintain that their efforts are aimed at protecting their communities and ensuring the safety of their neighbors.
The rise of these activist networks reflects a growing concern among some Minnesotans regarding immigration enforcement policies and the role of ICE in their communities. The decentralized nature of these groups makes it difficult to track their exact size and scope, but their increasing visibility suggests a sustained effort to monitor and respond to ICE activity in the Twin Cities. The situation remains fluid, with potential for further confrontations and legal challenges as these groups continue their work.
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