Things are not going well for the anti-ICE crowd in Minnesota, and judging by recent events, law enforcement seems to have found its backbone again.
After Border Czar Tom Homan signaled that local authorities were finally cooperating, there appears to be a noticeable shift in how police are handling the activists. Not long ago, police dismantled a checkpoint the protesters had set up in Minneapolis. The activists said they would rebuild it. The Minneapolis Police Department, however, had other plans.
This time, officers were far more forceful. As activists tried to sit in the middle of an intersection, police literally pulled the chairs out from under them. The protesters responded by screaming and calling officers “KKK.” Because, of course, when you’re blocking traffic illegally, that’s always the logical next move.
Then came the part where the protesters managed to embarrass themselves even more. In the chaos, they attacked the car of someone who turned out to be on their own side. As the driver tried to explain he was with them, the mob continued throwing dildos at the car and sticking them onto the vehicle. Yes, really. Another flawless operation from the “serious political movement” crowd.
While they shouldn’t be attacking anyone at all, it’s hard not to notice the irony of them assaulting one of their own. It was awkward, messy, and completely on brand.
The scene outside the Whipple federal building showed an even bigger change in police response. The State Patrol declared an unlawful assembly, moved in quickly, and made a large number of arrests. No more standing around pretending chaos is “speech.” Law enforcement enforced the law — a concept the activists seemed deeply confused by.
At one point, protesters yelled about officers’ authority to enforce the law, while simultaneously demanding legalization for everyone, even though that is not the law. The activist with the megaphone even called for “no political compromises” with Operation Metro Surge, proving once again that slogans are easier than solutions.
Between the arrests, the failed checkpoint, and the accidental attack on their own ally, it was a bad day for the anti-ICE crew — and not a great look for Governor Tim Walz, who many of them clearly aren’t thrilled with either.
In the end, order beat chaos, and law enforcement did what it’s supposed to do: keep control of the streets. And judging by the results, that’s something Minnesotans haven’t seen enough of lately — but maybe, just maybe, it’s finally coming back.
