Thousands of Minnesotans braved subzero temperatures to protest immigration enforcement, a movement that aims to challenge what they see as an overreach by federal authorities into the state's affairs. The demonstrations, which took place in various cities across the state, were marked by scenes of determined protesters and a strong sense of unity among those who gathered.
The protests are part of a broader national debate on immigration policy, with many advocates arguing that federal law enforcement actions in individual states are unconstitutional and undermine local control. In Minnesota, where federal authorities have been conducting raids and deportations, activists say the state's laws and regulations should prevail over federal directives.
"We cannot abide living under this federal occupation of Minnesota," said one protester, echoing the sentiments expressed by many others who took to the streets on Saturday. The chants of "Not in our backyard" and "Protect our communities" echoed through the chilly air as protesters held signs and banners denouncing immigration enforcement policies.
Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz has issued a statement saying he does not support federal immigration enforcement actions within state borders, while Republican lawmakers have called for more stringent immigration policies. The governor said that federal authorities are not welcome in Minnesota unless they are invited to cooperate on specific issues.
As temperatures plummeted below zero in some areas, protesters still managed to make their voices heard through chants and songs, all united by a single goal: the protection of their communities from what they see as an overreach by federal law enforcement.
The protests are part of a broader national debate on immigration policy, with many advocates arguing that federal law enforcement actions in individual states are unconstitutional and undermine local control. In Minnesota, where federal authorities have been conducting raids and deportations, activists say the state's laws and regulations should prevail over federal directives.
"We cannot abide living under this federal occupation of Minnesota," said one protester, echoing the sentiments expressed by many others who took to the streets on Saturday. The chants of "Not in our backyard" and "Protect our communities" echoed through the chilly air as protesters held signs and banners denouncing immigration enforcement policies.
Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz has issued a statement saying he does not support federal immigration enforcement actions within state borders, while Republican lawmakers have called for more stringent immigration policies. The governor said that federal authorities are not welcome in Minnesota unless they are invited to cooperate on specific issues.
As temperatures plummeted below zero in some areas, protesters still managed to make their voices heard through chants and songs, all united by a single goal: the protection of their communities from what they see as an overreach by federal law enforcement.
. Like, why do we gotta have these federal authorities just swoop in and take over? Can't the states handle their own stuff? It's like, what's next? The feds gonna start making our laws for us too? 
I mean, I'm all for helping people out, but this whole 'protecting our communities' thing sounds like just a smokescreen to me. What are they really hiding? 
And have you seen the signs at these protests? "Not in our backyard"? That's like, some serious propaganda, if you ask me 
. I'm watching it all from the sidelines, and I'm not buying it. There's gotta be more to this story...
. I think it's awesome that people are standing up for what they believe in and fighting for their community's rights 
. The whole idea of local control is kinda weird, but if it makes the people happy then I'm all for it 
. It's cool that Governor Walz is on board with not letting the feds take over, even if he doesn't always agree with them 
. And I gotta say, those chants were so inspiring! "Not in our backyard" just gave me chills 
.
. It's like the federal government is showing up to Minnesota and being all like 'oh, you can't do that'... no, actually, we will do it ourselves, thank you very much 
what's going on with our country? can't we just have some control over our own lives? i mean, i get it, there needs to be rules and all that but do we really need the feds breathing down our necks too? 
i'm not sure about tim walz saying he doesn't support enforcment actions either... maybe a more balanced approach would work? 
. governor walz's stance on this is spot on, federal authorities should be invited in if it's gonna help, not just show up uninvited like a buncha bullies 
I'm literally shook by these protests in Minnesota!!! They're totally speaking truth to power 
and standing up for what's rightfully theirs - local control! The unity among the protesters is giving me LIFE 
I mean, who wouldn't want to stand together against an overreach by federal authorities? 
It's like they're saying, "Hey, we got this!" 
And Governor Tim Walz's statement is straight fire 
"Federal authorities are not welcome in Minnesota unless invited"... I'm living for it! 
Meanwhile, the Republican lawmakers are trying to shut down the movement... but they can't hide from the truth 
The people won't be silenced or oppressed! 
its crazy how a bunch of ppl can unite like this, especially when things get harsh (literally 
) like -20 degrees! they're saying we got our own laws here and we dont need the feds breathing down our necks. i feel you, minnesota 
governor tim walz is on board with it too, which is a big deal. now its up to the fed gov to listen or keep pushing the issue... fingers crossed they chill out 
... we were so cold but it was worth it because I feel like our voices are being heard, you know? As a refugee myself, seeing all these Minnesotans standing up for their rights and for the people they care about is giving me so much hope 
We should be able to make our own decisions about who we want to help and how we want to live. And can you believe those Republican lawmakers are trying to turn this into a thing? Like, no way, dude... my sister was actually involved in the protests too and she said it was one of the most powerful experiences of her life 
...
...
Those protesters were so brave in the freezing cold, I'll give them that 
meanwhile, all these protesters are shivering in subzero temps... poor guys need some warm gloves & a hot cuppa instead of waving signs around 
The data is in, folks! 
According to Google Trends, Minnesota's anti-immigration protests have been on the rise since January 2024, with a peak interest in February 2025. 
Here are some stats:
. As a student at UMN, I feel like we're already dealing with so much stress and pressure on campus, but imagine having to worry about immigration raids too?! It's scary 
. I think it's super cool that the protesters are standing up for what they believe in and making their voices heard. But at the same time, I can understand why some people might be worried about being "invaded" by federal authorities 
.
. But one thing is for sure: our community here in Minnesota needs to come together and support each other, regardless of where we're from or what our backgrounds are 
. We can make a difference by spreading love and kindness 
!