The Decibel How Minnesota is fighting ICE on the ground — and in the courts
Jan 28, 2026
Joe Friesen, Globe reporter who covered Minnesota’s ICE operations on the ground, describes life amid a heavy federal presence. He covers leadership changes, community resistance and confrontations, legal battles as Minnesota sues the federal government, and how those fights could set a national precedent.
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Federal Tone Shift After Fatalities
- The federal government signalled a possible tone shift and reduction of agents in Minnesota after high-profile killings.
- Joe Friesen says replacing a combative supervisor may de-escalate tensions on the ground.
Community Shock Sparks Renewed Activism
- Joe Friesen arrived the day after Renee Good's killing and found a community shocked and galvanized into action.
- He describes sadness, anger, and reactivated activism networks from the George Floyd era in South Minneapolis.
Neighbourhood Sentries And Whistles
- Residents formed street-level defenses like parents standing sentry outside schools and people carrying whistles and alert apps.
- Friesen witnessed crowds rushing to block ICE actions and using whistles to alert and repel agents.