Activists Detained After Following ICE Convoy as Enforcement Shifts to Schools, Records Deadline Looms
Updated (2 articles)
Arrest of Activists Following ICE Convoy On February 3, 2026 ICE officers in south Minneapolis stopped several cars, drew guns, and handcuffed at least one protester wearing an anti‑ICE shirt face‑down, an event captured by an AP photographer [1]. Activists were detained while trailing the convoy, prompting immediate media coverage of the encounter [1]. The incident occurred amid heightened community tension over immigration enforcement [1].
Shift in ICE Enforcement Toward Home Raids Recent ICE operations have moved from visible parking‑lot standoffs to targeted home raids, making convoys harder for activists to locate [1]. Activist group chats now circulate vehicle sightings rather than detention alerts, reflecting the tactical change [1]. This shift aims to reduce public confrontations while maintaining enforcement pressure [1].
Court Ruling Restores Authority to Stop Trailing Motorists federal judge previously barred agents from stopping motorists solely for following ICE vehicles, deeming it unreasonable [1]. An appeals court overturned that order, allowing agents to stop trailing cars based on broader suspicion criteria [1]. The decision reinstates a key enforcement tool for ICE operations [1].
Governor and School Officials Warn of New Threat to Students Governor Tim Walz warned that the danger has moved from tear‑gas to schools, describing the shift as “more chilling” for children [1]. Superintendent Brenda Lewis of Fridley Public Schools reported ICE presence frightening students and staff, prompting altered drop‑off procedures, added security, and expanded mental‑health support [1]. Officials emphasize the psychological impact on education environments [1].
Minneapolis Faces DOJ Deadline for Enforcement Records The city must submit enforcement‑related records to a DOJ grand jury by February 3, 2026, as part of an investigation into possible obstruction of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown [1]. Minneapolis is working to comply with the Justice Department request [1]. The deadline underscores federal scrutiny of local cooperation with ICE [1].
Timeline
Aug 2025 – Renee Good joins the Southside School board, becoming a regular presence at the Minneapolis charter school known for its social‑justice curriculum and attending board meetings as an active member of the school community[1].
Dec 16, 2025 – The school issues a report to families urging participation in monitoring ICE activity, linking to training materials on non‑cooperation and neighbor alerts amid intensified federal enforcement in Minneapolis[1].
2025 – A federal appeals court overturns a district judge’s order that had barred agents from stopping motorists merely trailing ICE convoys, reinstating the ability to stop such vehicles on reasonable suspicion[2].
Jan 2026 – At least six federal prosecutors in Minneapolis resign after pressure to focus the investigation on Good and her associates, highlighting internal conflict over the probe’s direction[1].
2025‑2026 – Legal scholars note that the training guides used by Good’s group reflect standard non‑violent protest tactics and do not constitute a pathway to violent extremism, countering federal officials’ claims of domestic terrorism[1].
2025‑2026 – Good’s family and the school community face threats and harassment after the shooting incident, with teachers and staff reporting ongoing safety concerns in the neighborhood[1].
Early 2026 – ICE enforcement tactics shift from parking‑lot standoffs to targeted home raids, prompting activist groups to rely on vehicle‑sighting chats rather than detention alerts[2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Activists are detained after following an ICE convoy in south Minneapolis; officers draw guns, order cars to stop, and handcuff a protester wearing an anti‑ICE shirt face‑down, an incident captured by an AP photographer[2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Governor Tim Walz warns that the threat has moved from tear‑gas to schools, saying, “There’s less smoke on the ground… but I think it’s more chilling than it was last week because of the shift to the schools, the shift to the children”[2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Superintendent Brenda Lewis of Fridley Public Schools reports that ICE vehicle presence frightens students and staff, leading to added security, altered drop‑off procedures, and expanded mental‑health support for families[2].
Feb 3, 2026 – Minneapolis must submit enforcement‑related records to a DOJ grand jury by this deadline, complying with a Justice Department request investigating whether local officials obstructed the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown[2].