Minneapolis displays the joy of resistance

Signs and scenes from a city under siege

Minneapolis — I came here expecting to see a city gripped with anger, fear, division, and grief.

Sure, one can easily find that, as arrests and protests increase and threats and helicopters hover. At street level, however, other feelings dominate: joyful resistance, community spirit, playful humor, and upper Midwestern stubbornness.

I came not to protest or provoke, but to observe – while spending the long weekend visiting my daughters, who live on the northeast side. When I visited them in September, I experienced a city mourning a bloody summer and celebrating a hopeful harvest season.

Now, as the snow flies and temperatures drop below zero, the signs o’ the times are once again everywhere.

Many businesses, homes, stores, and offices display signs resisting the ICE presence or supporting immigrants. Many stores and offices bar agents from the property without a judicial warrant.

Near East Lake Street and Bloomington Avenue, residents with whistles, signs, and costumes kept watch. ICE agents have arrested and stopped people in the area, and some businesses have closed as a result. Meanwhile, inside Mercado Central (below), dancers move to a DJ's beat while customers stand in line at food vendors.

The Art Sled Rally at Powderhorn Park on Saturday offered classic Minnesota winter fun, as neighbors crafted homemade sleds while making a statement. Below: A few blocks west of Powderhorn, anti-ICE protesters march down Park Avenue singing.

The site of Renee Good's killing has become a shrine, like other locations of tragic events in Minneapolis.

What’s next: Faith leaders, union representatives and community members are calling for a Day of Truth and Freedom on Friday, Jan. 23.

Explore the impressive lineup of writers, plus Letters from Iowans, in the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. They are from around the state and contribute commentary and feature stories of interest to those who care about Iowa.