Twin Cities residents earn national honor for peaceful protest during ICE surge The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum honored Minnesotans and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell with the Profile in Courage Award, recognizing their actions during the heightened immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. The award, traditionally reserved for presidents, first responders, and heads of state, was presented to Twin Cities residents for their role in peacefully resisting federal overreach and safeguarding immigrant rights amid the surge. The recognition highlights the community’s collective effort to protect neighbors during the immigration crackdown, which led to two U.S. citizen deaths, hundreds of arrests, and significant economic disruption for local businesses. The library’s statement emphasized the courage of tens of thousands who marched, documented enforcement activities, and warned neighbors about federal agents’ presence. Despite facing violent confrontations and personal risks, residents across religious, racial, and political lines united in peaceful resistance, reinforcing the national movement to defend American democracy. The award also acknowledged Jerome Powell for his role in preserving the Federal Reserve’s independence, a position that has made him a target of President Donald Trump. Caroline Kennedy and her son, Jack Schlossberg, will present the award to Powell and Twin Cities residents via livestream on May 31. This marks one of the first instances the Profile in Courage Award has been given to civilians for their actions during Operation Metro Surge. The recognition was partly inspired by a campaign led by The Nation magazine and actor Mark Ruffalo, who urged citizens to nominate Minneapolis for a Nobel Peace Prize.#twin_cities #jerome_powell #operation_metro_surge #john_f_kennedy_library_and_museum #the_nation_magazine
