Social media, text chains helped anti-ICE protesters get the word out during Minneapolis raid

Around 200 residents gathered in south Minneapolis to protest a significant ICE presence on E. Lake Street. Activists and city council members utilized social media to alert the community of the situation, while trained legal observers documented the event. Miguel Hernandez from the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee described ICE agents as acting like "cowboys," raising concerns about their tactics. Although local officials stated the operation focused on drug and human trafficking, tensions escalated between the crowd and federal agents dressed in military gear.

Organizers assert that social media and text chains are essential tools for safeguarding immigrant communities. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant rights groups as President Trump's administration intensifies deportation efforts. Activists have trained public documenters to respond to ICE raids and ensure rights are upheld. New platforms like SignalSafe allow communities to report and track ICE activities in real-time.