All Things Considered

Training teaches ICE observers how to document immigration enforcement activities in Minnesota

Community members record federal agents
Community members record federal agents as they detain an East African man during an operation in Minneapolis on Dec. 4. The officers eventually left the property without making any arrests.
Ben Hovland | MPR News

As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement increases its activity in the Twin Cities, some citizens are taking it upon themselves to monitor and push back on federal agents.

A 55-year-old woman who confronted ICE officers on Tuesday, Dec. 9, in North Minneapolis, appeared to be the first observer to be arrested since the agency launched an immigration surge in the Twin Cities last Monday.

Now, an organization in the Twin Cities is offering "ICE Watch" training.

The training provided by States at the Core, or STAC, prepares neighbors to monitor, document, and fight against ICE activity. The organization says it has trained more than 1,000 Minnesotans so far.

MPR News host Clay Masters spoke with Jill Garvey, STAC's executive director, about documenting ICE activities, understanding tactics, and de-escalating situations.

Press play above to listen to their conversation.