Clergy Arrested at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Demanding End to ICE Cooperation

Over 100 clergy arrested at MSP on Friday. They were protesting federal immigration enforcement operations. The demonstration occurred at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Organizers demanded that Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation end their cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest was part of a wider “ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom” movement. Demonstrators gathered outside Terminal 1 departures in frigid, subzero weather.

Airport Operations and Police Action

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) confirmed the arrests. They reported that around 100 arrests were made. The MAC stated it worked with organizers beforehand. This was to accommodate their right to expression. However, the protest exceeded the agreed-upon terms of the permit. This action led to MSP Airport police action.

Arrests were necessary to protect airport security public safety. They also ensured continued access to Terminal 1. Those detained were issued misdemeanor citations. They were charged with trespassing and later released from custody. The MAC aims to ensure uninterrupted operations at MSP Airport. Unlawful protests also occurred elsewhere in Minneapolis. Demonstrators were protesting the ongoing federal immigration enforcement surge.

The Role of Aviation Entities

The protest specifically targeted two key aviation entities. Delta Air Lines is a major commercial carrier. It participates in the government’s City Pair Program (CPP). ICE utilizes the CPP for booking commercial flights. This system facilitates the movement of federal government travelers. Delta is a significant operator at MSP.

Signature Aviation is a fixed-base operator (FBO). FBOs provide essential ground services at airports. These services include fuel, ground handling, and hangars. Signature Aviation has provided infrastructure for the ICE Air charter network. This network is used for detainee transfers and repatriations. Activists criticize this airline cooperation immigration link. They argue it makes aviation companies complicit in deportations.

Industry Impact and Regulatory Context

Public pressure on aviation companies regarding federal immigration enforcement is not new. Airlines face a delicate balance. They must comply with federal contracts and regulations. They must also manage public relations and ethical concerns. Protests that disrupt airport access pose a risk. They can impact passenger flow and airline schedules. MSP Airport handled the situation by enforcing permit limits. This protected the airport's operational integrity. The incident highlights the growing political scrutiny. This scrutiny focuses on aviation’s role in government operations. The Minneapolis airport anti-ICE protest is a high-profile example. It shows the challenge of maintaining security alongside freedom of expression. The organizers, Faith in Minnesota, cited a high number of deportations through the airport. They also claimed airport employees were detained by ICE. These claims underscore the local impact of the federal enforcement surge.

• Around 100 clergy were arrested at MSP Terminal 1 departures on Friday, January 23, 2026.
• The protest demanded Delta Air Lines and Signature Aviation end cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
• The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) confirmed the arrests were due to exceeding the agreed-upon demonstration permit terms.
• Signature Aviation provides crucial ground services for the ICE Air charter network, while Delta participates in the federal City Pair Program.

Access up-to-date commercial aviation news and airline industry developments via flying.flights.