Winnipeggers Rally Against ICE Crackdown in Minnesota

Winnipeg Community Steps Up in Support of Minnesota Immigrants

In a show of transnational solidarity, Winnipeggers have taken action to support their southern neighbors in Minnesota, who are facing an intense immigration crackdown by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The crackdown, part of a broader deportation campaign under President Donald Trump's administration, has sparked concern and outrage among Winnipeg residents, leading to local fundraising efforts and protests.

Local Businesses Take a Stand

One of the most notable responses comes from Oh Doughnuts, a Winnipeg-based gourmet pastry shop. The shop has launched a fundraiser to benefit the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba (IRCOM), an organization that supports immigrants and refugees in Manitoba. A portion of the proceeds from two special doughnuts—"F ICE" and "Be Good"—will be donated to IRCOM.

The "F ICE" Doughnut

The "F ICE" doughnut is shaped like the letter "F" and covered in vanilla sprinkles, symbolizing a rejection of ICE’s actions. The second doughnut, "Be Good," is a tribute to Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis on January 7. Both doughnuts sold out quickly, underscoring the community’s strong response.

"We think that there are very great injustices happening, and the overreach of the ICE agents, and how they’re treating human beings is just atrocious," said Amanda Kinden, owner of Oh Doughnuts. "We as Winnipeggers go there [to Minneapolis] a lot. So we feel pretty close to them."

Concerns About Similar Issues in Canada

Kinden also expressed concern that similar issues could arise in Canada. "My thinking in doing something here is that it could happen here. We can definitely do better in Canada, while also showing the many Americans that we’re with them." The situation in Minnesota has prompted reflection on Canada’s own immigration policies and the need for continued support for immigrant communities.

Knitting Solidarity: A Community Effort

Winnipeg’s knitting community has also joined the call for solidarity. More than a dozen people gathered at the Wolseley Wool shop for a knit-along event to create "Melt the ICE" hats. These red tuques with tassels are inspired by those used in Norway in the 1940s as a form of protest against Nazi occupation. All proceeds from the hat sales will be distributed to those impacted by ICE’s actions.

"We just created space for the community to gather," said Justin Zaharia, part-owner of Wolseley Wool. "They all purchased the pattern, obviously. And then they’re knitting their hats." The event was part of a broader movement, inspired by a similar protest knit-along at a yarn store in Minneapolis.

Community Resilience in the Face of ICE Enforcement

The ICE crackdown in Minnesota has led to increasingly tense confrontations between residents and federal officers, particularly in Minneapolis. The fatal shooting of Renee Good has further fueled outrage and calls for accountability. Winnipeggers, while geographically distant, feel a strong connection to their neighbors in Minnesota and are determined to show their support.

"Students are scared": A Manitoban teaching in Minnesota has reported that the ICE presence is disrupting classrooms, highlighting the broader impact of the crackdown on immigrant communities. Winnipeg’s response underscores the power of community action and solidarity in the face of injustice.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Continued Support

As the situation in Minnesota continues to unfold, Winnipeggers are calling for sustained support and awareness. The fundraising efforts by Oh Doughnuts and the Wolseley Wool shop are just the beginning. Community leaders and activists are urging residents to stay informed and engaged, whether through financial contributions, advocacy, or simply spreading awareness.

The solidarity shown by Winnipeggers serves as a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, communities can come together to make a difference. As the crackdown in Minnesota persists, the support from Winnipeg remains a beacon of hope for those affected.