In response to federal immigration enforcement operations, activists in Minneapolis have set up makeshift roadblocks to monitor and restrict access to their communities. The actions follow the fatal shooting of anti-ICE protester Alex Pretti and have prompted a partial drawdown of federal agents. Local leaders and protesters cite public safety concerns, while federal officials emphasize cooperation with jails to target criminal immigrants.
Tensions over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Minneapolis escalated when activists erected a makeshift roadblock at the intersection of 32nd and Cedar Avenue, transforming it into a roundabout to control entry into the neighborhood. Wade Haynes, one of the volunteers standing watch twice daily, described the effort as a way to stand against ICE activity and keep the community safe. "Wow," he said. "We’ve got folks out there who are kind of taking care of us, looking out for us." A local resident shrugged off the checkpoint, saying it felt "fine" and that people were simply "helping out."
The protests intensified after the shooting of Alex Pretti during clashes with federal agents. Video footage later showed Pretti spitting on a Department of Homeland Security vehicle and damaging its taillights days earlier. Federal authorities arrested Kyle Wagner, a self-identified Antifa member, on February 5, 2026, for threatening to assault, kill, and doxx ICE officers. Following Pretti's death, Wagner urged followers to "show up ready to go," arm themselves with guns, and abandon peaceful protests, calling it a "guerrilla war." He raised funds via Venmo for an "emergency freedom and defense fund," with supporters sending money noting "Give them hell."
In a related move, the Minneapolis City Council voted 9-5 against renewing liquor licenses for the Canopy by Hilton and Renaissance Hotel at the Depot, citing concerns that the hotels house ICE agents. Council member Aisha Chughtai argued it posed a public safety risk, as agents allegedly drink heavily while armed. "That is a real danger to public safety in our community," she said. Opponents called the decision discriminatory and harmful to downtown businesses already struggling with closures and layoffs. The council will revisit the issue on February 17 after public comment.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan announced a drawdown of 700 ICE agents from Minneapolis, following an "unprecedented" agreement with local sheriffs allowing access to jails for custody of illegal immigrant inmates before release. "This is smart law enforcement, not less law enforcement," Homan said. President Donald Trump, in an NBC News interview, indicated a shift toward requiring invitations from mayors and governors for future operations, suggesting a "softer touch" after the incidents, though emphasizing toughness against criminals.
The events have fueled congressional debates over Department of Homeland Security funding, due by February 13, with Democrats demanding restrictions like body cameras and targeted enforcement, dismissed by Republicans as a "ridiculous Christmas list."
