Following the death of Renee Good in Minnesota last week, a growing number of residents in the Twin Cities are actively working to counter the presence and activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their communities. These residents are forming and joining decentralized networks of activists dedicated to informing their neighbors about ICE activity in their neighborhoods.

The increased activism comes in the wake of Good's shooting by an ICE officer on January 8, 2026, an incident that has galvanized local opposition to the agency. According to Madison McVan, a reporter for the Minnesota Reformer, these activists patrol their neighborhoods, looking for ICE officers. Upon spotting them, they alert their networks and follow the officers, providing real-time information to residents about ICE's location within the city.

McVan, who recently spent time observing the activists' tactics, described the efforts as a direct response to what they see as an overreach by ICE. "They are committed to ensuring their neighbors are aware of ICE's presence and can take necessary precautions," McVan told Noel King, co-host of Today, Explained.

These patrols have reportedly led to tense confrontations with ICE officers. The Trump administration has criticized the activists' actions, with some officials labeling them as domestic terrorists. However, activists maintain that their actions are aimed at protecting their communities and ensuring the safety of their neighbors.

The activists' methods involve a network of communication, often utilizing social media and encrypted messaging apps to rapidly disseminate information. This allows residents to be aware of ICE activity in their vicinity and, according to the activists, make informed decisions about their movements and interactions.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides entrenched in their positions. The activists have vowed to continue their patrols and monitoring efforts, while ICE has maintained its commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws. The increased tension raises questions about the balance between federal authority and community activism, and the role of local residents in shaping immigration enforcement policies.