Mass action can turn the tide against ICE

January 16th, 2026

Dear Community,

The last few weeks have been so full of grief, fear and trauma for our communities. Minneapolis is being occupied by federal agents who are harassing, intimidating, and kidnapping residents. 

In light of this, I want to uplift some meaningful victories that help move us towards safety and justice for our communities. 

Evict ICE, Not Us Resolution Approved Unanimously Because of Community Organizing

Over the last week, thousands of residents have organized to support Evict ICE, Not Us and demand Governor Walz pass an immediate eviction moratorium. With federal agents in our streets, many Minneapolis residents can’t safely go to work and earn rent. Thousands of vulnerable families are facing eviction as soon as February 1st. No family should have to choose between keeping a roof over their heads and risking being kidnapped by ICE. 

Governor Walz is the only person with the power to pass an eviction moratorium, so I and several of my colleagues authored a resolution urging him to do so immediately. Today, hundreds of diverse working class residents came to City Hall and shared powerful public testimony about why residents need an eviction moratorium to survive the ICE occupation.

Several Council Members started the meeting by voicing opposition to Evict ICE, Not Us, but after hearing nearly two hours of powerful public testimony by residents, every Council Member voted in support of Evict ICE, Not Us. Community organizing visibly impacted the outcome of the City Council vote. Now, we need the same energy at the Capitol to push Governor Walz to implement an eviction moratorium before February 1st.

Council Member Wonsley speaking alongside Council Members, community organizations, and residents in support of Evict ICE, Not Us and calling on Governor Walz to pass an eviction moratorium immediately.

Saint Paul City Council will vote on a resolution urging Governor Walz to Evict ICE, Not Us next week. Together, these can send a powerful message to the Governor that the two biggest and most diverse cities in the state are urging him to use his sole authority and enact an eviction moratorium before February 1. 

We can stop ICE’s terror, but only with many more acts of large-scale community organizing like what we saw this week. I published an article in The Nation outlining the mass action and courageous leadership that it will take to turn the tide against ICE.

Publication by the The Nation Magazine with a picture of Renee Good and the words “Let’s Make Renee Good the Last Person that ICE Kills- By Robin Wonsley”

Countless residents have been on the streets protecting our neighbors with nothing more than whistles and cellphones. Every single one of you who have continued to stand loudly against this violent occupation are heroes and demonstrate what loving your community looks like. 

Everyday people are risking their lives to protect our neighbors, and now they need to see political courage from local, state, and federal leaders. Asking ICE to leave is not enough.

As an elected official, I want to do everything I can to fight back against what is happening to our city right now, especially as I see our diverse community working together to take care of each other in response to state violence. Please reach out to my office with ideas, requests, and invitations on ways we can support your and your neighbors. 

Community Updates

Cedar Riverside Guidance for Saturday January 17th 

Community leaders in Cedar-Riverside, including elected officials, rapid response teams, faith leaders, community organizations, and residents, are sharing the following information to ensure safety and clarity this weekend:

We have been made aware that a small group of racist and anti-Muslim agitators may attempt to come into the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood on Saturday, January 17. Their intention appears to be to provoke disruption and create fear. Our community will not be drawn into that. 

To support safety and stability, trained community patrollers wearing yellow vests, faith leaders wearing orange vests, and local law enforcement, including the Sheriff’s Office and the Minneapolis Police Department, will be present to monitor and respond to any potential concerns. 

Guidance for Cedar-Riverside Community Members

• Do not be afraid.
• Go about your day as usual.
• If you see protest activity or offensive behavior, do not engage, argue, confront, or respond.
• Avoid conversations with strangers, individuals recording video, or members of the media.
• If you have concerns or feel unsafe, approach a community patroller or call 911. 

Guidance for Those Outside the Community

• No protest activity is needed, welcomed, or appropriate inside Cedar-Riverside.
• If you wish to support the community, please coordinate with your local neighborhood rapid response network rather than coming into the area.

Cedar-Riverside is strong, resilient, and united. We look out for one another, and we will continue to keep our community safe together.

Graphic with guidance for Cedar Riverside community members and those outside the community.

Information about Protest at City Hall on Saturday January 17th

Due to concerns about potential agitation at City Hall this weekend, the Mayor’s administration has offered the following clarifications:

City Hall is closed to the public on Saturdays. The space outside of City Hall is a public space. A permit is not required for a peaceful demonstration, and – to be clear – no permit has been granted for Jan. 17.

Outside City Hall, protesters have the right to stand on sidewalks, carry signs, chant and use public spaces around the building. Protesters are not allowed to be on freeways, block streets, throw objects, cause violence, engage in criminal acts, enter private property (including commercial spaces) to protest without the owner’s permission, or use fireworks or weapons. Any unlawful activity will not be tolerated.

The Minneapolis Police Department’s role at any protest or demonstration where officers are present is to provide public safety and protect the First Amendment rights for all community members. 

City and Community Resources

Warm Spaces for Unsheltered Neighbors

With freezing temperatures expected from late Thursday evening into the coming week, the City is prioritizing outreach to ensure our unsheltered residents have access to safe indoor warming spaces and essential services.

Key Resources: 

• Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC)
  • 2300 15th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55404
  • Open overnight when temperatures reach 0° F or below beginning this evening (Thursday, January 15)
• Hennepin Shelter Connect (HSC) Hotline
  • Phone: 612-204-8200
  • Online Shelter Availability: Hennepin County Shelter Bed Availability

Additional resources and information for unsheltered residents are available on the City’s website: Minneapolis Homelessness Help

Resources for International Students

The Humphrey School of Public Policy’s International Students Association sent out a resource guide for our international students. This guide centralizes existing resources that may be available to support University of Minnesota students, some of which may be relevant to students from other schools as well. 

City Resource Center

Increased federal immigration enforcement activities in our city are disrupting daily life. Some people are afraid to go to work, school or the grocery store.

The City created a Virtual Resource Center for community members to find partner resources for food, housing and mental health support. Visit the Virtual Resource Center to find information including rent and eviction assistance, mental health resources, food resources, legal services, and more.