Religious Leaders Arrested in Anti-ICE Protest at Airport

Arrests During Anti-ICE Protest
Religious Leaders Detained
Airport Central to Deportations

Police arrested several religious leaders after a protest outside Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport.

The demonstration aimed to force the airport’s closure to stop deportation flights carrying migrants.

Police arrested anti-ICE protesters on Friday after they reportedly exceeded the terms of their protest permit.

Among those detained were dozens of religious leaders.

Religious Leaders Arrested in Anti-ICE Protest

The arrests took place at the largest airport in the state of Minnesota, according to Fox 45.

Authorities said the protest posed a risk of disrupting airline operations.

Police intervened after demonstrators went beyond the conditions authorized by their permit.

Officials have not disclosed how many people were arrested during the operation.

Who Took Part in the Anti-ICE Protest?

The mobilization was organized by a network of labor unions, progressive organizations, and members of the clergy.

The public call to action was issued under the name ICE Out of MN.

The organizers invited Minnesota residents to join a large-scale protest.

The goal was to oppose operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

According to the organization Faith in Minnesota, more than 100 clergy members and religious leaders were arrested.

Protests Against Deportation Flights

🚨 HOLY CRAP! Anti-ICE leftists have STORMED the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport, infuriating travelers and taking the location hostage

This is utter MADNESS!

Tim Walz has handed control to lawless rebels. Minnesota must save itself!pic.twitter.com/5JbzBeStjO

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) January 23, 2026

Faith in Minnesota described the anti-ICE protest as a “peaceful and prayerful resistance.”

The action sought to pressure airlines operating at the airport to stop deportation flights.

The group specifically mentioned Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation.

Faith in Minnesota stated that protesters were demanding support for state residents.

The organization claims that approximately 2,000 people have been deported through the airport.

During the protest, participants remained in areas near airport facilities.

The presence of religious leaders was one of the most visible elements of the demonstration.

Context and Reactions

Faith in Minnesota shared a video message on Facebook following the arrests of the religious leaders.

“In temperatures of minus 20 degrees, from all backgrounds and from every corner of our state, Minnesotans will always stand up to protect our people,” the group said.

The message emphasized the collective nature of the protest.

It also highlighted participation from diverse communities across the state.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Jeff Lea, explained the reason for the arrests.

He said the detentions occurred after protesters exceeded the limits set by their permit.

According to Lea, that situation could have interfered with normal airline operations.

Airport authorities have not released official arrest numbers.

Protests have been occurring daily in the area.

The demonstrations began after the killing of Renee Good.

Since then, the region has seen sustained protests.

Actions have included demonstrations outside facilities linked to immigration operations.

The airport has become a central focal point for the movement.

Organizers insist they will continue with peaceful resistance.