In a bold move on a Minneapolis public street, anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activists have set up a makeshift checkpoint to scrutinize drivers and track federal agents.
On Cedar Avenue in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, often called "Little Mogadishu" due to its significant Somali population, these agitators were seen halting vehicles and questioning drivers near barricades and traffic cones. Journalist Jorge Ventura captured video of the activity, showing masked individuals inspecting IDs and running license plates through what they called a "database." The Minneapolis Police Department later confirmed that the roadblocks were cleared with help from Public Works to ensure safety on the busy roadway.
No police presence was observed during the checkpoint operation, according to Ventura, and it remains unclear if any arrests were made. The incident unfolded amid escalating tensions over immigration enforcement in Minnesota, following recent protests and the tragic deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti in separate federal operations. These fatal shootings have fueled unrest and intensified scrutiny of ICE activities in the city.
According to Fox News, the issue has sparked debate over public safety and the boundaries of protest actions on public streets. While the intent appears to be monitoring federal agents, stopping vehicles on a high-traffic road like Cedar Avenue raises serious questions about legality and risk to drivers. Emergency access could be compromised by such unsanctioned barriers, a concern echoed by the city’s swift response to clear the area.
“The Public Works team — with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department — cleared debris and homemade roadblocks yesterday,” a department representative told Fox News Digital. They emphasized the need to protect neighborhoods and ensure emergency vehicle access on this busy stretch. But was the response quick enough to prevent potential harm?
Let’s be clear: while frustrations with federal enforcement policies are understandable, turning a public street into a personal surveillance zone crosses a line. The video shows an agitator in a black mask approaching a driver, asking if they’re with ICE and even requesting their name. This isn’t just a protest—it’s intimidation dressed up as activism.
“A lot of the neighbors support what we’re doing. So happy to be here,” an agitator told Ventura with a casual air. That claim of community backing may ring hollow to drivers who felt coerced into compliance on a road they have every right to use.
Ventura’s footage also reveals the agitators’ justification—they believe ICE agents are renting numerous vehicles, and they’re determined to weed them out. One activist even mentioned taking a stopped car “off the list” after questioning the driver. But who gave them the authority to play gatekeeper on a public thoroughfare?
The broader context here is a city on edge over immigration enforcement, especially after the heartbreaking losses of Renée Good and Alex Pretti during federal actions. Grief and anger are real, and many in Minneapolis feel that ICE’s presence disrupts community trust. Yet, does that justify vigilante-style checkpoints that could endanger others?
Critics of this checkpoint argue it’s a dangerous overreach, especially since no law enforcement was present to oversee or intervene during the activity. If the goal is to hold federal agencies accountable, there are safer, more constructive ways—like organized demonstrations or legal challenges. Harassing random drivers isn’t the answer.
Supporters might counter that these actions stem from desperation to protect vulnerable residents from aggressive federal tactics. But even if the intent is protective, the execution—stopping cars and demanding personal information—mirrors the very overreach they claim to oppose. It’s a slippery slope that undermines their cause. The Minneapolis Police Department’s statement focused on clearing the street for safety, not on addressing the underlying clash over immigration policy. That silence speaks volumes about the city’s struggle to balance protest rights with public order. Meanwhile, tensions continue to simmer.
Immigration enforcement remains a lightning rod in Minnesota, with anti-ICE activists staging repeated confrontations in recent weeks. The deaths during federal operations have only poured fuel on an already blazing fire of discontent. Communities feel targeted, and distrust of federal agents runs deep.
Yet, solutions must prioritize safety and legality over street-level stunts that risk escalation. If the goal is reform, dialogue with policymakers and law enforcement offers a better path than makeshift barricades. Otherwise, these actions may alienate more than they inspire.
As Minneapolis grapples with this unrest, the checkpoint incident on Cedar Avenue serves as a stark reminder of how polarized the immigration debate has become. Both sides have valid concerns—community protection versus public safety—but finding common ground requires stepping back from confrontational tactics. Only then can real progress be made.