Across the United States and in Italy, protests erupted on Saturday, January 31, 2026, against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its tactics. Demonstrations were sparked by the federal government's immigration enforcement operations, particularly following the deaths of two protesters in Minneapolis at the hands of federal agents, according to NPR News.
The protests included a national day of action organized by the group 50501, calling for communities to "Shut ICE Out of Everywhere," NPR reported. These demonstrations included boycotts against retailers and businesses perceived to be cooperating with ICE. Time magazine noted that dozens of businesses closed and tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets from Los Angeles to New York.
In Minneapolis, the epicenter of the unrest, protests continued following a statewide general strike the previous week. Time reported that the strike demanded an end to what Minneapolis leaders described as an "invasion" of federal immigration enforcement officers as part of "Operation Metro Surge."
The demonstrations also led to the arrests of independent journalists Don Lemon, a former CNN anchor, and Minnesota reporter Georgia Fort, after they covered an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota, according to NPR. Both were later released from federal custody on Friday, following criticism from human rights advocates and journalism organizations. A federal grand jury in Minnesota indicted Fort and Lemon on charges related to interfering with a religious service. Variety reported that actress Jane Fonda spoke out in support of Lemon at a rally in Los Angeles, stating, "We are not ready to sit and be quiet. We have to speak up. Every American who believes in our Constitution has to speak up."
The controversy extended internationally, with hundreds of protesters gathering in Milan, Italy, demanding that U.S. ICE agents leave the country as the Winter Olympics approached, NPR reported. A branch of ICE is slated to assist with security operations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Games, sparking consternation and warnings that they were not welcome.
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