Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
In June 2025 — months before the federal government's "Operation Metro Surge" — around 100 protesters gathered on Lake Street in Minneapolis to protest the Department of Homeland Security at what they thought was an immigration raid. It turned out to be a federal drug trafficking investigation, but at the time, protesters were on high alert for ICE.
Artist and activist Isavela Lopez became one of the first Minnesotans charged in connection with anti-ICE action, including assaulting and obstructing federal officers. Last week, she took a plea deal reducing her case to a single misdemeanor conviction.
Lopez joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini in studio, where she said her case reflects a shifting attitude around protests.
Story produced by Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video captured by Maurizio D'Errico and edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo by Kerem Yücel | MPR News
In June 2025 — months before the federal government's "Operation Metro Surge" — around 100 protesters gathered on Lake Street in Minneapolis to protest the Department of Homeland Security at what they thought was an immigration raid. It turned out to be a federal drug trafficking investigation, but at the time, protesters were on high alert for ICE.
Artist and activist Isavela Lopez became one of the first Minnesotans charged in connection with anti-ICE action, including assaulting and obstructing federal officers. Last week, she took a plea deal reducing her case to a single misdemeanor conviction.
Lopez joined Minnesota Now host Nina Moini in studio, where she said her case reflects a shifting attitude around protests.
Story produced by Aleesa Kuznetsov
Video captured by Maurizio D'Errico and edited by Payton Whaley
Thumbnail photo by Kerem Yücel | MPR News
