Thousands of anti-ICE activists, joined by clergy and organizers, flooded downtown Minneapolis on Friday, swarming the Target Center after the “ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom” march. Because nothing says “clear thinking” like chanting policy demands in minus-20-degree temperatures.

The crowd marched from The Commons to the arena, with tensions already high in the city following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent on Jan. 7. Organizers encouraged residents to skip work, school, and shopping for the day, apparently hoping the economy would take the hint and join the protest too.

Marchers carried signs reading, “Silence is more dangerous than frostbite,” “This was a terrible idea, Napoleon Bovino,” and “Justice for Renee Good.” Others chanted slogans like, “Stand up, fight back,” “What do we want? ICE out! When do we want it? Now!” and “The people united will never be defeated.” Nearby skywalks filled with onlookers waving at the procession, providing a warmer spectator section for the event.

Once inside the Target Center, the atmosphere cooled down in a different way. Footage showed a smaller group of demonstrators coordinating “the wave” with signs and settling into stadium seats, likely grateful to trade political passion for indoor heating. Even protests need a halftime break.

Although the demonstration appeared peaceful, reporters noted a security checkpoint with a metal detector at the arena entrance, a reminder that even rallies against law enforcement still depend on law enforcement-style precautions.

Minneapolis City Council member Elizabeth Shaffer praised the turnout on social media, writing that “thousands showed up today to peacefully march in downtown Minneapolis and rally at the Target Center to demand: ICE out of Minnesota now!”

While the chants echoed through the frozen streets, the scene showed a city exercising its right to protest—even if the message was to remove the very agency tasked with enforcing federal law. In the end, the march proved that Americans will brave even brutal cold to make their voices heard, and that commitment to civic action, however misguided the cause may be, is still a sign of a nation that believes in participation and order.