ICE CRISIS GUIDE: What is happening and ways you can respond
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Maciej Prus
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ICE CRISIS GUIDE: ICE Operations Mobilize Fargo-Moorhead Into Action

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NOTE: We’ll update this guide as new resources and events are posted.

FARGO, N.D. / MOORHEAD, MINN. — The Red River Valley is in a state of high alert as the “largest immigration enforcement operation ever” in Minnesota ripples outward, bringing federal agents and aggressive detention tactics to the doorstep of Fargo-Moorhead.

Following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis and confirmed ICE presence in the region, advocacy groups in Fargo-Moorhead are warning that the region is now an active enforcement zone. Agents may be conducting patrols, targeting businesses, and employing dangerous tactics against residents and legal observers.

For immigrant families, business owners, and allies, the situation is critical. Here is what is happening and ways you can respond.

The Current Situation

Reports confirm that over 2,000 federal agents have been deployed to the region. While the operation initially centered on the Twin Cities, activity has rapidly expanded to “outstate” Minnesota and into North Dakota.

Fargo Police Will Assist ICE: During a press conference, Police Chief David Zibolski stated that Fargo Police will assist ICE agents if they are requested to do so. Zibolski says that if community members call the FPD for incidents involving ICE operations, his officers will not intervene.

Aggressive Tactics: Agents are reportedly using “saturation patrols”—stopping vehicles and pedestrians without clear probable cause. Agents have been documented using undo force on protesters, using crowd control chemicals, and aiming weapons at citizens. Agents are apparently racially targeting people for arrest and are not abiding by due process laws.

Targeting of Observers: In a disturbing shift, agents have detained and arrested individuals filming their activities. The ACLU of Minnesota has filed suit alleging retaliation against First Amendment observers, citing incidents where agents used chemical irritants and tracking technology against protesters.

Native American Communities: There are confirmed reports of Indigenous people being detained by agents, confusing them for undocumented immigrants. Tribal leaders in North Dakota are urging all tribal members to carry Tribal IDs at all times.

How to Support the Community

The Fargo-Moorhead community members are mobilizing to protect their neighbors and local businesses. Here is how you can plug into the rapid response ecosystem right now.

Join the Rapid Response Networks
New networks have formed to track agent movements and provide legal aid.

  • Immigrant Defense Network (IDN): A statewide network in MN extending to the border. They organize legal observers and bail funds. Follow their alerts for real-time locations of checkpoints or raids.
  • North Dakota Human Rights Coalition: The primary hub for advocacy and updates on the North Dakota side.
  • People Over Papers: Provides immigrant communities with real-time information, educates them on their rights and resources, and ignites awareness to build collective safety.

Support and Protect Local Businesses
Immigrant-owned businesses in the Fargo-Moorhead area are facing a double crisis from the threat of raids and the economic hit of customers being too afraid to shop.

  • “Buycott” / Cash Mobs: Organized groups are visiting immigrant-owned markets and restaurants (specifically on Main Ave in Fargo and Center Ave in Moorhead) to provide an influx of cash and a visible witness presence.
  • Volunteer Escorts: Allies are offering to shop for families who are afraid to leave their homes or escort them to necessary appointments. Reach out to your neighbors and offer to help, or look online for groups offering this assistance.

Contribute to Emergency Legal Funds
Legal representation is the difference between deportation and safety.

  • Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (Fargo Office): They are the frontline legal defense for low-income immigrants in the area. Donate and designate funds specifically for “Detention Defense.”
  • Bail & Bond Funds: Look for verified GoFundMe campaigns shared by the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition or local faith leaders like the Unitarian Universalist Church of FM to help pay bond for detained neighbors.

Attend “Know Your Rights” Trainings
With the rules of engagement changing, outdated advice can be dangerous.

  • Training Opportunities: The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and High Plains Fair Housing Center are conducting emergency seminars. Volunteer to help with logistics or childcare so impacted families can attend.

What to Do If You Encounter ICE

If you encounter DHS or ICE agents in Fargo-Moorhead, strict adherence to safety protocols is vital. Do not rely on leniency; agents are operating under “zero tolerance” directives.

If Agents Approach Your Home

  • DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. This is your most powerful right.
  • Check for a Warrant: Ask them to slide the warrant under the door or hold it to a window.
    • Critical Check: It must be a Judicial Warrant signed by a judge/court, not an “Administrative Warrant” (Form I-200/I-205) signed by an ICE officer. Administrative warrants do not give them the legal right to enter your home without consent.
  • Remain Silent: Say clearly, “I do not consent to a search. I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

If You Are Stopped in Public or at a Business

  • Ask: “Am I Free to Go?” If they say yes, walk away calmly. Do not run.
  • Do Not Answer Questions: You are not required to state your birthplace or citizenship status.
  • Do Not Sign Anything: Agents may pressure you to sign “voluntary departure” forms. Do not sign without a lawyer.

If You Are Filming/Observing

  • Maintain Distance: Stay at least 10-15 feet away to avoid charges of “obstruction.”
  • Stream, Don’t Just Record: Agents have seized phones. Use Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Twitch, or TikTok Live to stream the encounter and to ensure footage is uploaded to a cloud immediately.
  • Prepare for Retaliation: Be aware that observers have been targeted. Carry eye flush (water) in case of chemical irritants.

Essential Resources & Hotlines

Save these numbers immediately.

Upcoming Protests & Fundraisers

The local arts and music community has organized a rapid-response benefit series to raise funds for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and local mutual aid funds.

“Punks Against ICE” Benefit Festival (Day 2)

  • Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026
  • Time: Doors open 6:30 PM
  • Location: Parachigo (Address typically available via local listings; often an all-ages DIY venue in Fargo).
  • Focus: All-ages event designed to be safe for youth and families.

ICE Out of Everywhere – BLACKOUT
Don’t work. Don’t shop. Shut down the economy.

ICE Out of Everywhere – PROTEST
Hit the streets. Make noise. Enough is enough.

Fired Up Fridays – Red River United Indivible

NO KINGS Eyes on ICE Training

Weekly Vigil for Detainees

  • Date: Saturdays
  • Time: 1:00 PM
  • Location: Veterans Memorial Bridge (Main Avenue Bridge) between Fargo and Moorhead.
  • Action: Demonstrators line the bridge with signs. This is a highly visible, peaceful protest often attended by families.

Emergency “Know Your Rights” Community Meeting

Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide and resource lists are for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The tactics and strategies described (such as asserting rights or refusing searches) are general constitutional principles but may carry significant risks depending on your specific immigration status, criminal history, and the specific circumstances of an encounter.

Immigration law is complex, fact-specific, and subject to rapid change. You should strictly consult with a qualified immigration attorney or an accredited legal representative before taking action or relying on any information provided here.

If you or someone you know is currently detained or facing an immediate threat of deportation, contact a lawyer or a dedicated legal aid organization (such as the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota) immediately. Do not rely solely on general online guides during an active legal emergency.