Protest

Brandon Johnson

person

Chicago Mayor who signed an executive order creating "ICE-Free Zones" prohibiting federal agents from using city-owned property. Directed Chicago police to investigate reports of illegal activity by ICE agents. Called for a coordinated nationwide protest movement. Characterized Trump as a tyrant.

On February 3, 2025, businesses nationwide closed and immigrants stayed home from work and school to highlight immigrant contributions to the economy. Thousands participated in LA, Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, NYC, Dallas, Houston, and many other cities. A precursor to the larger protests that would follow the Minneapolis killings.

Mayor Johnston resisted ICE. Threatened at Congressional hearing but not arrested. $2M legal defense bill. Early target during Operation Safeguard.

Don Lemon

person

Arrested January 30, 2026, at a Beverly Hills hotel lobby by FBI and Homeland Security Investigations agents — where he was covering the lead-up to the Grammy Awards. Charged with conspiracy against rights of religious freedom in connection with a January 18, 2026 anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota (where ICE acting field director David Easterwood serves as pastor). AG Bondi stated arrest was "at my direction." Minnesota Chief Judge Schiltz wrote Lemon was "not a protester at all" with "no evidence" of criminal behavior. Attorney Abbe Lowell called it "an unprecedented attack on the First Amendment."

Jacob Frey

person

Minneapolis Mayor who pledged "unwavering" support for immigrant communities after Operation Metro Surge. Publicly challenged DHS's characterization of the Renee Good shooting. Wrote that "Minnesota needs ICE to leave, not an escalation." Subject to reported DOJ investigation along with Governor Walz.

Keith Ellison

person

Minnesota Attorney General who filed a federal lawsuit on January 12, 2026, with the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, against DHS, ICE, CBP, and Secretary Noem. Alleged Minnesota was targeted for its voting habits and political viewpoints, violating the First Amendment and equal sovereignty. Accused the White House of "politics and retribution" and called the crackdown a "cover-up."

On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Baraka and three Congress members were arrested at Delaney Hall ICE facility while conducting oversight. Charged with trespassing, held ~5 hours. On May 21, federal Judge Espinosa dismissed charges, calling the arrest "hasty" and "a worrying misstep." On June 3, Baraka sued federal officials for false arrest.

Denver Mayor who took a firm stance against cooperating with federal deportation. Threatened with arrest and criminal investigation at a House Oversight hearing on March 5, 2025 (not arrested). Legal defense bill reached $2 million. Stated Denver would sue if funding was withheld.

Minneapolis, MN

location

Epicenter of the crisis. Operation Metro Surge deployed 2,000-3,000 agents. Two Americans killed (Good, Pretti), one Venezuelan shot (Sosa-Celis). Site of the first general strike in 80 years. 50,000+ marched in -20°F. Federal judge found ICE violated 96+ court orders since January 2026.

On January 23, 2026, the first general strike in the United States in approximately 80 years. Over 50,000 people marched through downtown Minneapolis in temperatures as low as -20°F. 700+ Minnesota businesses closed in solidarity. ~100 clergy arrested at a protest against deportation flights. Unions including SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, CWA Local 7250, and the Minneapolis and St. Paul Federations of Educators endorsed the strike. Bruce Springsteen released "Streets of Minneapolis" on January 28 honoring Good and Pretti — #1 on iTunes in 19 countries.

On January 30, 2026, the "National Shutdown" / "ICE Out" brought 300+ protests to cities across the US. Minneapolis remained the epicenter. National partners included Defend Immigrant Families, CAIR, Poor People's Campaign, LA Tenants Union, and student organizations. Actors Pedro Pascal and Hannah Einbinder and rapper Macklemore promoted the strike on social media. Over the weekend (Jan 31-Feb 1), 600+ events attended by tens of thousands. A PBS/Marist poll found 65% of Americans said ICE had gone too far.

Ras Baraka

person

Newark Mayor arrested on May 9, 2025, at the Delaney Hall ICE facility along with three Congress members (Reps. Watson Coleman, McIver, Menendez Jr.) while attempting oversight of detained residents. Charged with trespassing. Held approximately 5 hours. On May 21, federal magistrate Judge Espinosa dismissed the charges, calling the arrest "hasty" and "a worrying misstep." On June 3, Baraka filed suit against Alina Habba and the arresting HSI officer for false arrest and malicious prosecution.

Nationwide mobile alert platform with 500,000+ subscribers providing real-time ICE raid notifications. On January 29, 2026, the platform was hacked — database overwritten with an image of Tom Homan. Hackers claimed they sent user data to the FBI. StopICE traced the attack to a CBP agent's personal server in Southern California. DHS subpoenaed Meta to unmask an Instagram account that had identified agents using StopICE data.

Tim Walz

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Minnesota Governor who demanded Trump remove "untrained" federal immigration agents from the state after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Acting AG Todd Blanche accused Walz of "terrorism." The DOJ reportedly opened an investigation into Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey.

Zohran Mamdani

person

New York City elected official who upheld the city's sanctuary laws against federal pressure and organized community defense networks.