Residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area have been recognized with the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for their collective response to a major federal immigration enforcement operation in the region. The JFK Library Foundation announced the honor on Wednesday, highlighting the community’s efforts to resist what it described as the largest immigration enforcement action in U.S. history. The award acknowledges the risks taken by residents to protect immigrant neighbors and uphold constitutional rights during the operation, which saw over 3,000 federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol deployed to the Twin Cities in late 2025. The foundation emphasized that tens of thousands of people participated in peaceful protests, while others documented enforcement activities and warned communities about the presence of federal agents. Two individuals, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed during the operation, underscoring the dangers faced by those involved. Protesters gathered in large numbers during an "ICE Out" day of action on January 23, 2026, in Minneapolis. The event, organized by community leaders, faith groups, and labor unions, saw hundreds of local businesses close as part of a statewide general strike. Demonstrators called for an end to what they viewed as overreach by federal authorities and threats to immigrant families. Faith leaders played a key role in organizing demonstrations, while community groups established rapid-response networks to support those affected. Labor leaders and small businesses also defended workers, providing critical resources and advocacy during the crisis.#jerome_powell #minneapolis_st_paul #john_f_kennedy_profile_in_courage_award #ice_out_day_of_action #caroline_kennedy
