Federal helicopters assist ICE operation in Minneapolis as protests continue

Minneapolis residents noticed a new strategy in the ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in the Twin Cities this week: helicopters flying overhead.

In an emailed statement, a Customs and Border Protection spokesperson confirmed the agency’s aircraft are “supporting federal law enforcement partners in Minneapolis.”

The spokesperson did not specify how the aircraft are being used.

The helicopters are part of ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge” that began this month and has led to dozens of arrests and detainments.

The Department of Homeland Security said “more than 400″ people have been arrested since the operation began Dec. 1, according to a Friday night news release.

The government says it’s targeting those with criminal records, while critics and city officials say the sweep is broadly targeting Somali and Hispanic people, including citizens.

Activist groups began circulating social media posts with grainy images of the helicopters this week, warning undocumented people they suspect the aircrafts are equipped with large cameras to surveil the areas they fly over.

“I know this is definitely worrying the community, and we’re just encouraging our community to stay vigilant,” Hussein said.

Hussein was joined by other community organizers and the West Bank Business Association to promote a “solidarity event” for the Somali community Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis’ Brian Coyle Center.

The event will consist of a short program of speakers and runs from noon to 3 p.m.

The Brian Coyle Center is a hub for the Somali and East African community in the city’s Cedar Riverside neighborhood.

Attendees will be able to speak with members of the Somali community. Hussein is also urging folks to visit the area’s East African restaurants and shops, which have seen a decline in foot traffic amid the ICE operation.

By midafternoon, a small turnout of about 20 protesters had gathered outside of the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling to oppose the ICE operation.

Two of the attendees on Friday afternoon said they’ve been frustrated with protester turnout over the past couple of weeks.

“When I come to these protests everywhere ... it’s the same people all the time,” said Nancy Greenberg, a retired 60-year-old Minneapolis resident.

The protesters held signs with slogans such as “Quit your job” and “Abolish ICE.” Some people yelled expletives at Homeland Security police vehicles as they patrolled the surrounding streets.

Kari Johnson, 42, who works in the learning and development field, said she had some extra vacation time to use up before the end of the year and wanted to spend it protesting at the federal building.