A new ICE policy threatens immigrant communities, causing widespread concern in Minneapolis.
Story Highlights
- No verified reports of school bus driver pledging to defy ICE.
- Heightened ICE actions in Minneapolis target immigrant neighborhoods.
- Union resolutions oppose ICE interference with school buses.
- Community resistance and school closures increase.
ICE Operations in Minneapolis Cause Alarm
In January 2026, reports of aggressive ICE operations in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have alarmed immigrant communities. These operations, involving rubber bullets and the use of drones, have stirred fear and unrest, particularly around schools and transit stops. While there are no confirmed reports of school bus drivers pledging to defy ICE directives, concerns about student safety have prompted unions and communities to rally against such federal interventions.
Minneapolis has a significant immigrant population, particularly from East African and Somali communities, making it a central focus for ICE’s intensified operations. These actions follow the 2025 Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdown, which has led to increased deportations and detentions under various pretexts. This environment has created a climate of fear, with schools and transit services facing disruptions.
Community and Union Responses
In response to these aggressive ICE tactics, local unions such as the ATU Local 1005 have passed resolutions to refuse cooperation with ICE, particularly on public transit and school buses. The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFE) has also secured protections for school staff against ICE actions, emphasizing the need for judicial warrants. This collective resistance aims to protect students and staff while maintaining community safety.
Community members and local organizers have mobilized to support immigrant families, offering mutual aid and organizing know-your-rights training sessions. These efforts build on networks established during past civil rights movements, emphasizing grassroots resistance against perceived federal overreach.
Impact and Future Implications
The ongoing ICE operations have had immediate impacts on education and public transit, with school closures and increased reliance on virtual learning as families keep children at home. This atmosphere of anxiety and fear is expected to have long-term effects on trust in public institutions, potentially leading to broader resistance and strikes, as seen in the planning of a May Day mass strike.
As the situation develops, the role of unions and community organizers will be critical in shaping responses and ensuring the protection of vulnerable populations. The events in Minneapolis could serve as a precedent for similar actions across the country, highlighting the tension between federal immigration policies and local community values.
Sources:
Will ICE Ignite a Mass Strike in Minnesota?
