In Minneapolis, a network of local residents has formed to monitor Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities, particularly following the shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent. This network utilizes a communication platform called Signal to share real-time information about ICE movements, transforming what ICE intended to be covert operations into public awareness events. Participation in these monitoring efforts has surged from about 20 volunteers daily to hundreds, reflecting a broader trend of local residents organizing against federal enforcement actions perceived as aggressive and unjust.

The term 'commuting' has been adopted to describe the act of following and observing ICE agents, highlighting the normalization of such surveillance within the community. Witness accounts detail instances of ICE agents forcibly detaining individuals in public spaces without warning, prompting residents to become more vigilant and proactive in documenting and responding to ICE activities. Additionally, mutual aid networks have been established to support those at risk of deportation, providing essential services such as transportation and childcare.

This local response is part of a larger movement aimed at creating a record of federal enforcement actions, drawing on lessons from previous incidents of police violence in the area, such as the killing of George Floyd. Community members are committed to ensuring their neighborhoods remain safe and that the rights of all individuals are respected.

On January 13, 2026, unions and community organizations convened at the Hennepin County Government Center to announce a planned statewide shutdown on January 23, intended to oppose recent aggressive measures by federal immigration authorities. Rideshare driver Abdikarim Khasim emphasized the need for collective action against what he described as a "tsunami of hate" from the federal government. JaNaé Bates Imari, a representative from Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church, called for participation from all Minnesotans, urging them to refuse work, shopping, and school attendance in solidarity against systemic violence and injustice.

The mobilization is supported by several major labor unions in Minnesota, including the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1005, SEIU Local 26, and UNITE HERE Local 17. Bates Imari clarified that while some may view this as a strike, it is fundamentally a collective refusal to accept the current situation until meaningful changes occur. This initiative follows a series of federal actions, including the shooting of Renee Good, which has heightened tensions in the community.

Reports indicate that federal agents have engaged in aggressive tactics, including detaining individuals in public spaces and using chemical irritants against students and staff at schools. The Department of Homeland Security has announced the deployment of additional federal agents to Minnesota, exacerbating concerns among residents. In response, community members have organized various forms of resistance, including whistle-blowing to alert neighbors of federal agents' presence and providing support to those in hiding. A recent march in South Minneapolis drew at least 10,000 participants, calling for the removal of ICE from the state and demanding accountability for federal actions.

The organizers of the January 23 shutdown aim to build on this momentum, emphasizing the interconnectedness of worker safety and community well-being. Feben Ghilagaber, a server and union steward, expressed the pervasive fear among workers due to the current climate, stating, "When your coworkers aren’t safe, nobody is safe." This collective action reflects ongoing concerns regarding the impact of federal immigration policies on local communities, particularly among immigrant workers and their families.