As we collectively grieve the recent deaths of innocent individuals in Minnesota, our federal government has repeatedly asserted that ICE’s harsh actions in the state are justified. Presumably, they aim for us to mourn quietly, feel powerless, and eventually give in.

But we must recognize that another development has unfolded in Minnesota. It is a critical part of the story we cannot afford to lose: resistance against ICE is yielding results.

Having spent decades organizing across the nation, the current depth of community resistance is unlike anything I have ever seen. Minnesota is showcasing a masterclass in peacefully defending democracy against… Now, the Trump Administration is expected to… ICE operations in the state.

As the Trump Administration potentially targets other communities nationwide, Americans should take inspiration from Minnesota.

The community solidarity displayed in Minneapolis has been nothing short of remarkable—and ICE has struggled to circumvent it. Neighbors are patrolling Minneapolis’ streets, watching for unmarked vehicles. At the sound of a whistle, people rush outside—filming, documenting, and refusing to let agents operate in secrecy. Legal observers stand for hours in the bitter cold outside schools, childcare centers, and businesses. Large groups of people are gathering food to deliver to families too afraid to leave their homes.

Neighbors have planned , , and that clearly show we will not cooperate with the destruction of our communities. High school students have of class, and have attended protests in the frigid cold. Thousands have demonstrated in subzero temperatures—conditions that make breathing difficult, let alone protesting.

Meanwhile, interfaith networks—built over decades—have fully mobilized. Pastors, priests, rabbis, and imams are in the streets, courthouses, and places of worship defending immigrant communities. 

This resistance is not random. It is disciplined. It is effective. 

And it is deeply rooted in diverse community relationships—between neighbors, faith leaders, unions, mutual aid networks, organizers, and more. Across race, culture, language, age, and religion, there is a growing sense of shared community, resilient hope, and democratic renewal that will endure. This will have far greater impact than the harm caused by the federal government and its agents in our streets and neighborhoods.

ICE agents may have hoped their violence would weaken these community bonds and deter us from acting. We will not allow that to happen. has shown that when people mount a strong, peaceful resistance, change is achievable.

And now, the Trump Administration is ICE operations in Minnesota. They’ve ICE leadership and agreed to consider the number of federal agents in the state. 

But make no mistake: The danger remains significant. As we’ve learned from the recent deaths of and , ICE has a tendency toward violence. We are in an extremely fragile period in this country, and no one should pretend otherwise. If people do not step up now, the future will be even more perilous.

The Trump Administration has already shown it has no hesitation in due process protections.

If we do not push back now, the administration could feel emboldened to ignore constitutional rights; masked agents will continue causing chaos in neighborhoods without fear of accountability; and we risk losing more friends, neighbors, and cherished community members.

It has long been said that the arc of the moral universe . But the universe does not bend toward justice on its own. It bends because people push together. And right now, across this country, people are pushing back against ICE with unprecedented energy and moral clarity. 

It is working. We cannot relent.