In recent weeks, something unexpected, and profoundly human, has unfolded on the snowy streets of Minneapolis. Instead of clashes and shouting, a growing movement of Minnesotans has taken a different approach to protest the controversial actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): they’ve sung.
Rather than directing anger at federal agents, an estimated 2,000 people gathered outside a Marriott Residence Inn, where many ICE personnel were stationed during an ongoing immigration enforcement operation, to sing directly to the ICE agents inside. Their message, carried in song and held on signs like “Please ICE agents. Join Us,” “Love > Fear,” and “Choose Humanity. Quit ICE,” was clear: choose humanity over violence.
Credit: singingresistancetc/instagram
Key Takeaways
- Around 2,000 people gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to sing outside a Marriott Residence Inn where ICE agents were staying.
- The musical protest was organized by the group Singing Resistance, which uses nonviolent, art-based activism.
- The demonstration followed heightened immigration enforcement operations in the Twin Cities under “Operation Metro Surge.”
- Federal activity earlier in January 2026 included the fatal shootings of Renée Good (January 7, 2026) and Alex Pretti (January 24, 2026), which intensified public concern and protests.
- Protesters held signs reading “Love > Fear,” “Choose Humanity. Quit ICE,” and “Please ICE Agents, Join Us.”
- Instead of confrontation, organizers used music to invite ICE agents to reconsider their roles and “join the side of humanity.”
- Online reactions ranged from praise for Minnesota citizens to political criticism and debate.
- The event reflects a broader strategy of creative, peaceful protest rooted in empathy rather than aggression.
This “singing resistance” protest isn’t your typical rally. Instead of confrontation, the group , often called Singing Resistance, has used music as a bridge to communicate shared humanity and hope for peace. One commonly sung lyric at these gatherings goes:
“It’s okay to change your mind / Show us your courage / Leave this behind… You can join us / Join us here anytime.”
The backdrop of these musical protests traces to events earlier this year when federal immigration forces surged into Minnesota under what’s been termed “Operation Metro Surge.” Over 3,000 agents were deployed to the Twin Cities region to conduct immigration enforcement operations. That campaign, however, quickly became controversial when federal agents were involved in the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens Renée Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026. These deaths sparked widespread outcry and fueled protests calling for accountability and change.
Credit: singingresistancetc/instagram
Instead of facing agents with anger or hostility, Singing Resistance chose a different form of protest, one rooted in art, community, and nonviolent action. They performed both in public streets and outside hotels housing ICE personnel, urging agents to rethink their roles and “join the side of love and humanity.”
Their approach draws inspiration from historical resistance movements, such as Serbia’s Otpor! in 2000, where protesters used creative, peaceful tactics to weaken authoritarian control without violence.
The singing protests have captured attention far beyond Minnesota, spurring responses from people around the world:
Myriam Hernandez Larkin wrote:
“We need these types of choirs in every state. There’s nothing better than music to use against the savage beast that is ICE.”
Rosemary Romick added:
“Trying to smooth the savage beast.”
karentrionfo highlighted community pride, saying:
“This is amazing!! Minnesota citizens are truly amazing!!! Thank you!”
And from another, a more politically charged take emerged:
“Don’t these protestors know, ICE is IDF in disguise; the Congress just approved billions of money to support ICE aka IDF.”
These reactions show how the singing resistance has struck both emotional and ideological chords, provoking dialogue on collective action, protest strategies, and the role of empathy in social movements.
Rather than simply opposing ICE through chants and slogans, the singers are offering an invitation to federal agents to step away from their roles in enforcement actions that have sparked national debate and tragedy. Their songs are built around themes of:
- Shared humanity over division
- Love as resistance
- Peaceful engagement over confrontation
- Opening hearts rather than closing minds
This blend of art and activism shows how even in tense political climates, communities can choose creative, compassionate forms of dissent that invite participation rather than repel it.
In moments of sharp political tension, it’s easy for protest to become angry, divisive, or detached from the very people it aims to change. The Minneapolis singing resistance offers a different path, one where voices are raised not to drown out opponents, but to appeal to their humanity.
If this movement, harmonizing protest with compassion, resonates with your belief in peaceful change and collective action, explore more stories like this at Simply Wholesome. We bring you real-life narratives that remind us: even amid conflict, people can choose unity, creativity, and love as powerful forms of resistance.
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