Public outrage in Minneapolis has reached a peak following the killings of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. However, amid the focus on state violence, a story of community solidarity and mutual aid is emerging.
Residents have mobilised to protect their neighbours, with parents patrolling schools, people shopping for families sheltering at home, and alarms spreading when ICE vans are spotted. Labour journalist Sarah Jaffe, who has reported from Minneapolis for over a decade, describes this as a powerful repudiation of Margaret Thatcher's claim that 'there is no such thing as society'.
Community defence networks formed rapidly after ICE enforcement ramped up in December. Small businesses have been central: Modern Times restaurant gives away food in exchange for donations, Smitten Kitten sex shop has become a mutual aid hub, and a romance bookstore stocks accessible books on labour and social movement history.
The hospitality industry is particularly active, given that many restaurant cooks are undocumented or have precarious legal status. Kitchens display signs stating 'this is a private area for employees only, you can only come here with a warrant'. Jaffe notes that Minneapolis has a history of leading rebellion and expects it to do so again.
