15,000 Protest ICE in Minneapolis Amid Funding Probe

Thousands of activists gathered in Minneapolis on January 23 for a large-scale protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations, drawing an estimated 15,000 participants who chanted demands to end federal immigration enforcement in the city. The event, part of a statewide series of demonstrations organized under the banner of the 50501 network, highlighted ongoing resistance to ICE activities amid reports of significant financial support from philanthropic organizations.

The protests, which have disrupted public spaces across Minnesota in recent weeks, coincide with heightened tensions over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. On the same day as the Minneapolis march, a related demonstration at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport led to approximately 100 arrests after protesters blocked roadways and violated permit conditions, according to police reports. Organizers, including groups like Jewish Community Action and Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha, coordinated the actions through social media and local networks.

Financial records show that at least 16 activist organizations involved in monitoring and protesting ICE have...