On Jan. 23, I put on four layers of pants, two sweaters, three pairs of socks and my press badge to witness the march to Target Center. 

The protest served as the centerpiece of ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom, a statewide economic shutdown responding to acts of violence by federal officers as part of Operation Metro Surge, including the death of 37-year-old Renee Good. 

Here’s what I learned. 

During the two hours I spent at the march, I saw families, elderly people with walkers and wheelchairs, teenagers, and everything in between. Individuals who likely would never dream of standing outside in wind-chill temperatures dipping to minus 47 degrees in Minneapolis marched for hours.    

Organizers handed out posters with phrases in bold, black lettering like “No kings no ICE” and “Stop ICE terror now!” Others brought signs, with many taking time to create beautiful illustrations and collages, artistic expressions with neatly-written statements and bright colors that made an impact even from a distance.

However, the most striking poster to me was simply Sharpie on paper: “ICE your grandkids will think of you with shame,” it read. 

I spoke with several individuals at the protest, all of whom declined to share their last names.

Their reasons for participating in the march varied, but one theme stayed consistent among nearly everyone I spoke to. They all had a desire to protect their neighbors and communities. 

“I came out here today because the people of Minnesota are seeing all the injustice that’s happening in our communities,” Nick, a protester, said. “I feel like I had to be here to reinforce that and stay with my community because I feel like this is an important moment and we should be here for it.”

Monica and Amy, who attended the march together, expressed a similar social responsibility to stand up against ICE activity.

“There’s no one coming to save us,” Monica said, while carrying a sign that read “We keep us safe.” “Everything that you’re seeing in resistance is neighbors showing up for one another and keeping each other safe.”

“It’s our civic duty,” Amy said. “You have to do it.” 

Protester and University of Minnesota fourth-year student Graham spoke with me while on his way to the protest. He said he worries for the health of the country’s democracy, in the wake of the actions of Trump’s administration and the Department of Homeland Security.

“I think that what’s happening in our city right now is both unprecedented and an extreme assault on our democracy,” Graham said. “Obviously, keeping our neighbors safe is extremely important, but also as we come into the midterms this year and as we consider the future of our democracy and its viability.”

When asked why she attended the march, another protester put it simply: “Empathy,” she said.

Minnesota Immigration Rights Action Committee organizer Dieu Do said anger at recent events and a desire to protect their community drove people to come out and support the protest.

“I don’t understand how someone could hear those stories and see that fear and not stand up and fight back for their community,” Do said. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”

It goes without saying that the University is deeply entwined with the greater Twin Cities community and has been greatly impacted by recent Minneapolis events. 

College students, a demographic historically at the frontlines of protest movements in the United States, would naturally be inclined to take a stand against violent encroachment by the federal government. 

Protest activity on the University campus escalated recently, with more than 40 protesters arrested outside the Graduate Hotel Wednesday night, following a noise demonstration in protest of ICE officers allegedly staying on the property.

In a Jan. 14 letter, the University Office of the President said, “Tensions have been high, as violence and protests have come to our doorstep.”

Intentional or not, this phrasing frames protest activity as contributing to the violent atmosphere in Minneapolis, an idea that has been consistently perpetuated by the Trump administration.

In a post on X following the death of 37-year-old Alex Pretti, Vice President J.D. Vance cited engineered chaos from far-left agitators as to blame for violence in Minneapolis.  

Do said she does not think figures like Vance are being honest about the reality of protest behavior in Minneapolis.

“The idea that that is escalating tensions or that is causing the tension is not in good faith,” Do said. “I think it paints the picture that what we’re doing is illegal or unlawful, and at the end of the day, it’s a constitutional right.”

Protester and University student Alexis said she believes the protests are the direct result of ICE agents sowing danger into communities, citing the detainment of 5-year-old Liam Ramos.

“If ICE left tomorrow, the protesters would all leave too,” Alexis said. “Everyone is protesting because ICE is coming into our community and causing chaos and stuff. You don’t send a child to Texas to keep him safe.”

The University affirmed students’ and faculty’s right to protest and express themselves politically, in an email statement sent to the Minnesota Daily.

“The University of Minnesota remains firmly committed to academic freedom, freedom of expression, and the rights for students, faculty and staff to express their views in our community,” the statement said. “Core to this commitment is free, open and respectful dialogue, regardless of viewpoint, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in respecting differing views on our campuses.”

I do not envy the University’s position in balancing student safety, the right to protest and other obligations as a public institution. But they have a responsibility to acknowledge the reality of protest activity.

There was no agitation at the protest I attended. There was anger, worry and grief, but also compassion and hope. 

More than anything, there was love. Love for neighbors, communities and friends. Love that managed to keep nearly 50,000 people warm on the coldest day of the year.  

And the next morning, American citizen and ICU nurse Alex Pretti was shot and killed by a federal officer. His last words appeared to be asking a woman if she was okay. 

Tell me, what sounds more violent to you?