Bystanders in American cities have turned to a wintry form of protest, pelting federal immigration agents with snowballs during aggressive arrest operations. The confrontations, captured on video in Minnesota and Illinois, highlight escalating community resistance to Trump administration immigration enforcement tactics.
Confrontations in the Snow
In Minneapolis on Monday, agents from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) attempted to detain a woman, holding her in a snowbank. Video posted by Minnesota Public Radio shows the woman partially handcuffed before an agent drags her across a snowy street. Onlookers shouted for agents to "let her go" as car horns and whistles sounded an alarm to the neighbourhood.
During the altercation, an agent held a Taser in one hand and pointed a weapon at the growing crowd. Protesters began throwing snow at the officers, with one agent responding by repeatedly deploying an orange spray canister against them. A woman who witnessed the event told the Associated Press that ICE agents were aggressive from the outset. "I didn't see anybody throw any hard items," she said. "The snowballs were definitely being thrown, but we didn't start throwing snowballs until they started dragging her around by her wrist."
Official Responses and Legal Warnings
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara criticised the federal agents' methods after the incident. ICE had summoned local police, claiming they were under attack. O'Hara stated his officers assessed the scene as safe and chose to "disengage". He noted his force's intensive de-escalation training over the past five years, adding, "unfortunately that is … often not what we are seeing from other agencies in the city."
A similar scene unfolded in Elgin, Illinois, where snow was thrown at agents during a confrontation over a man's detention. Local media reported that agents responded with teargas and pepper munitions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees ICE, issued a stark warning. A spokesperson remarked, "ICE stays frosty … but rioters should be aware, assaulting an officer is a federal crime." CBS reported that agents have arrested US citizens in connection with the incidents, with DHS alleging injuries "including cuts" from thrown snow and objects.
Legal Repercussions and Community Action
The legal line between a snowball fight and a federal felony is now under scrutiny. Minneapolis criminal defence attorney Joe Tamburino explained that throwing snowballs can constitute assault if it causes injury or if the intent is to injure. While charges are uncommon, targeting a federal agent can lead to serious federal penalties. "I would imagine that the Trump administration is paying particular attention to Minnesota right now," Tamburino said, urging caution.
Communities have established rapid-response networks to counter ICE patrols, using tactics from whistle-blowing to direct intervention. In a significant legal move, the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota sued the Department of Homeland Security this week. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of several Minnesota plaintiffs, alleges federal agents violated the rights of observers and protesters.
As ICE intensifies its enforcement actions, these frosty clashes symbolise a deepening conflict between federal policy and community-led resistance on American streets.
