Anti-ICE demonstrations in the Minneapolis- St. Paul area intensified over the weekend, with protesters disrupting a church service, harassing individuals for renting the “wrong” vehicle, wearing the “wrong” attire, and prompting at least two hotels to temporarily close amid safety concerns tied to a surge in increasingly militant opposition to federal immigration enforcement.
St. Paul, Minn. (Jan. 18) — A far-left, anti-ICE extremist stands on the street with a rifle. He believes it will deter federal law enforcement action. Leftists have been encouraging one another to take up arms to kill ICE. pic.twitter.com/Pr0pt20Nh4
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) January 18, 2026
On Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, the DoubleTree by Hilton St. Paul Downtown and the nearby InterContinental St. Paul Riverfront temporarily suspended operations, canceling reservations for all ICE agents and personnel due to elevated public safety concerns.
“Please know that your safety and well-being will always be our top priority. Due to heightened public safety concerns in St. Paul, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our hotel, and your reservation will be canceled effective Sunday, January 18, 2026 by 12PM.”
Multiple ICE agents with bookings at the DoubleTree received notices to vacate, while non-government guests were allowed to complete their stays.
Hotel staff reportedly made the decision after receiving direct threats linked to sheltering DHS and ICE personnel. The threats emerged amid reports of heightened aggression against businesses, individuals, and even houses of worship.
The notice to vacate followed an activist raid on a nearby church service. Earlier that morning, dozens of activists entered Cities Church in St. Paul during worship, chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good.”
The group, organized by the Racial Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Minnesota, targeted the Southern Baptist congregation after activists obtained federal records indicating a pastor’s involvement with ICE’s St. Paul field office. Video livestreamed in part by former CNN host Don Lemon showed protesters confronting congregants, forcing the service to end early. Families, including children, were visibly distressed.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced an investigation into the disruption, with Attorney General Pam Bondi calling the incident “despicable,” and vowing prosecution if warranted. Church leaders described the interruption as “unacceptable” and “shameful.”
Protests have swelled into the tens of thousands, with organizers calling upon the public to take up arms as demonstrators have blocked federal buildings, not only clashing with officers but bystanders.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have continued to criticize federal tactics, while dismissing an investigation into obstruction as being retaliatory.
Yet, evidence provided by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon shows that agitators are not only known by local law enforcement, but being caught, released and clearly emboldened.
Catch and release of domestic agitators has consequences. https://t.co/5ZxwyXODu3
— Harmeet K. Dhillon (@HarmeetKDhillon) January 19, 2026
In an attempt to restore order, the Trump administration has deployed thousands of agents and placed National Guard troops on standby—still weighing the Insurrection Act.
As of publication, Hilton has not commented on the franchise-owned DoubleTree’s decision, consistent with prior statements that such properties operate independently. No arrests were immediately reported from the church incident, but federal officials emphasized that attacks on law enforcement and intimidation in sacred spaces would face consequences.
As demonstrations continue in frigid conditions, the Twin Cities remain a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement.
