Federal Agents Removed from Minneapolis Eatery Aiding Those Affected by ICE Increase
Recent events in Minneapolis have highlighted significant community efforts in response to the increasing presence of ICE agents. On Monday afternoon, surveillance footage captured several individuals exiting an SUV near Wrecktangle Pizza in the city’s LynLake neighborhood. Their intention was to enter the eatery, but they were met with resistance from employees and community members.
Community Resistance Against ICE Agents
Breanna Evans, co-owner of Wrecktangle Pizza, described the moment as the agents attempted to storm the restaurant. “Employees and community members chased them off,” she reported. The confrontation escalated when the agents used chemical agents, which were promptly returned by the crowd.
Support for Those Affected
This aggressive encounter followed a successful fundraising campaign by Wrecktangle Pizza, which raised over $83,000 for nonprofit organizations supporting immigrant rights. Additionally, for each pizza purchased, the restaurant donated a pizza to individuals impacted by ICE operations.
- Fundraising Amount: Over $83,000
- Community Donations: Food and household goods for those affected
Solidarity at Smitten Kitten
Nearby, community members have rallied around Smitten Kitten, where volunteers are actively monitoring for ICE activity. Syd King, a local resident, expressed determination to stand guard, stating, “If ICE is going to stay here, then I’m going to stay here.” This sentiment reflects the strong community bonds being formed in response to these challenges.
Outpouring of Community Support
Inside Smitten Kitten, donations of food and household goods have been flooding in. JP, the store owner, shared that the store was once filled to the brim with contributions from people around the globe. “We have people calling us from all over the world trying to help,” he said.
Due to limited space, neighboring businesses like Twin Cities Leather have stepped up to assist in storage of the overwhelming donations. Founder Karri Plowman noted, “Forty-eight hours ago, this room was filled taller than me with donations from the community.”
Community’s Unified Message
The collective actions in Minneapolis have sent a clear message against ICE’s presence. Evans voiced the community’s stance: “They don’t belong here, they’re not this community, they’re not what we believe in. We support and love each other.” The video footage of the incident exemplifies the solidarity among locals when faced with aggressive federal actions.
As these events unfold, the resilience and cooperation within the Minneapolis community serve as a powerful testament to their commitment to one another in times of adversity.
