ICE Observer Movement Gains Momentum Following Fatal Minnesota Shootings
The tragic deaths of two Minneapolis residents at the hands of federal immigration agents have ignited a powerful response across the United States, with tens of thousands of Americans mobilising to join ICE observer groups. These community-led initiatives focus on documenting the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in public spaces, a practice protected under the First Amendment.
National Response to Twin Cities Tragedies
Within days of the shootings that claimed the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, nearly 80,000 people participated in an online training session dedicated to ICE observation techniques. Participants hailed from diverse locations including Arkansas, Texas, Michigan, and Florida, demonstrating the nationwide concern about immigration enforcement practices. The recording of this session subsequently attracted over 200,000 views on YouTube, highlighting the growing public interest in this form of civic engagement.
"Two of my neighbors have been killed, but because of ordinary people documenting the actions of ICE, we're able to show the truth of what happened to Renee and Alex," explained Minneapolis resident Marjorie during the training call. "We're also able to track what is happening in our community and ensure that our neighbors are not being simply disappeared."
Documentation as Deterrent and Accountability Tool
Organisers report that the presence of observers can significantly impact ICE operations, sometimes preventing detentions through their visible monitoring. Minneapolis City Council President Elliott Payne recently noted that "multiple abductions were prevented" due to extensive community patrols. This protective function has become increasingly important as ICE raids continue not only in the Twin Cities but also in Phoenix, southern California, and other regions across the country.
The documentation gathered by observers has proven crucial in challenging official narratives about enforcement incidents. Video evidence contradicted White House claims regarding both Good and Pretti's deaths, with footage showing that Good had turned her car away from agents rather than toward them, and that Pretti's permitted handgun had already been secured by agents before he was shot while on the ground.
Navigating Legal Challenges and Government Pushback
Despite the constitutional protection for recording public officials, ICE observers face increasing legal pressure and rhetorical attacks from federal authorities. The Trump administration has characterised their activities as "domestic terrorism" and "illegal" acts equivalent to "doxing." Federal officials have also initiated investigations into organising efforts, with FBI Director Kash Patel announcing criminal investigations into encrypted group chats used by Minneapolis residents for coordination purposes.
Legal experts like attorney Lauren Regan of the Civil Liberties Defense Center note that while the risk environment has shifted, federal charges against observers have often failed to withstand legal scrutiny. An Associated Press analysis found that among 100 federal charges brought between May and December 2025, more than half were reduced to misdemeanours or dismissed entirely.
Safety Protocols and Evolving Tactics
In response to escalating risks, organisers are emphasising enhanced safety measures during training sessions. These include developing personal safety plans, establishing emergency contacts, and implementing digital security practices such as disabling Bluetooth and WiFi in protest areas. The movement has also expanded to include various levels of participation, recognising that not everyone can engage in direct observation.
"Everybody has a different risk assessment, but everyone can still show up," Regan emphasised. "There is a place and a way to participate for everyone," whether through direct observation, mutual aid support, or neighbourhood coordination efforts.
Growing Determination Amidst Adversity
Despite government pushback and safety concerns, organisers report unprecedented levels of public engagement. David Chung of ICE Out of New York described "electric" energy at recent gatherings, with participants actively seeking ways to increase their involvement. Similarly, Omar Flores of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression noted that "several thousand" people attended emergency actions following the Minnesota shootings.
The movement's growth reflects a broader determination among Americans to protect civil liberties and ensure accountability in immigration enforcement. As Marjorie reminded training participants: "You're on this call, you have five neighbors right now who are waiting for you to talk to them and get organized. And that's how you start."
