Tom Homan, the White House Border Czar, announced in a press conference on Thursday, February 12, that ICE operations are ending in Minnesota. Many people are skeptical of the news, with Governor Tim Walz saying he is “cautiously optimistic”. After the announcement, Walz also praised the actions of Minnesotans, saying, “the dignity, the compassion, the love, the care, and the absolute determination to do what was right never wavered amongst [them]”.
It is important for everyone to remember that ICE isn’t leaving simply because some politicians were finally able to make a deal. ICE is leaving because of the actions of everyone in Minnesota coming together to protect each other. Protests, strikes, rapid response networks, community aid programs, helping neighbors who were too scared to leave their homes, noise protests outside hotels—all of these and more have shown the strength of the American public against ICE’s abuse of power.
ICE is leaving because they were not left alone long enough to do whatever they wanted. All of their actions were recorded, reported, and shared on social media for the world to see. Minnesota has shown the country what it takes to win. If anyone ever says, “there is no reason to go out and protest”, “what good is it going to do?”, “one person can’t change anything”, show them what Minnesota was able to do when people came together.
Hopefully, when ICE starts operations in other states, and they will, people will look at the actions of Minnesotans for inspiration when fighting back.
Do not allow political leaders or government officials to convince you that this was their idea. ICE is not leaving because they are done with their operations; they are leaving because Minnesota has shown them, in full force, that they are not welcome. This doesn’t mean ICE is giving up. They will likely resume operations in some capacity, likely in more rural areas where there are fewer people to oppose them directly, and without any “media announcements”. It is important for everyone to stay vigilant; the fight isn’t over.
As for ICE leaving Minnesota, I think Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said it best, “I’ll believe it when I see it”.
