Dozens of clergy members were detained by Minnesota law enforcement on January 24, 2026, during coordinated protests against heightened immigration enforcement operations. The demonstrations coincided with a self-declared 'general strike' that saw temporary closures of businesses across the state.
Airport Prayer Vigil Turns Tense
At Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, religious leaders knelt in prayer and sang hymns before being removed by authorities. Organizers claim over 200 businesses participated in the work stoppage, with workers joining marches demanding accountability for recent ICE-related fatalities, including the January 2026 shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Good during an enforcement operation.
Federal-Local Tensions Escalate
The protests follow weeks of clashes between federal agents and Minnesota residents opposing what state Democrats describe as an 'unprecedented militarized presence.' Vice President JD Vance visited the region last week, urging cooperation while defending the administration's immigration strategy targeting both undocumented individuals and legal residents.
Corporate Silence Draws Criticism
Major Minnesota-based corporations including Target and UnitedHealth faced renewed scrutiny for remaining silent on the enforcement surge. State legislators are pressing companies to clarify protocols for employee interactions with immigration agents.
Winter Marches Continue
Despite subzero temperatures, organizers vowed to maintain daily demonstrations through February 2026, with participants using musical instruments and noise-making tactics to disrupt ICE operations. The White House maintains that protesters have obstructed lawful enforcement actions.
