Deportation flights protest held by union workers outside of MSP Airport
Workers rally to oppose deportations at MSP
Workers and political organizers gathered near the Minneapolis-St. Paul international Airport (MSP) to show support for the Somali community that continues to confront increased United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the Twin Cities.
(FOX 9) - Shouting slogans such as "when immigrant rights are under attack, we stand up," workers and political organizers gathered near the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) on Wednesday to show support for the Somali community that continues to confront increased United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in the Twin Cities.
MSP rally demands ‘deportation flights’ end
Protests against deportation flights gather at MSP
Demonstrators gathered to stand speak out against deportation flights at Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport. FOX 9's Rob Olson has the latest from protestors and their message to the federal government.
What we know:
Rallying outside of Signature Aviation near MSP’s Terminal 2, dozens of people associated with Minnesota 50501, SEIU and UNITE HERE – representing workers, faith leaders and community members – demanded a "stop to deportation flights taking place from the Signature Airlines Terminal."
Organizers said the "labor community was proud to organize behind the immigrant community" under the veil of workers’ rights on Wednesday, saying in part, "We do the work that makes these airline companies billions of dollars of profit each year."
FOX 9 has not independently confirmed if Signature Aviation, which provides private services worldwide, is involved with ICE deportation flights.
Calls to end deportation flights from Twin Cities
A rally at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is calling for the airport commission to stop allowing deportation flights from the airport. FOX 9's Rob Olson has more.
ICE targeting Somalis in MN
Dig deeper:
Immigration enforcement operations are reportedly beginning in Minneapolis on Wednesday, a day after Twin Cities leaders said as many as 100 federal agents had responded to the metro to target undocumented Somali residents.
Minnesota is home to the United States' largest Somali community.
What they're saying:
Minnesota’s leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Gov. Tim Walz, have since confirmed the increase in federal agents via an order from the Trump Administration to target undocumented Somali residents, while saying the city and state will stand behind the community in the process.