Weeks into 2026, people in Minneapolis have been talking about the increase of ICE agents in their neighborhoods. ICE, or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is the group in charge of immigration rules, and lately they’ve been showing up more in the city. Some people are worried about what’s going on, while others think it’s necessary.

Freshman Ethan Astorga said seeing ICE agents around makes him feel nervous.

“It’s kind of scary to see them show up like that,” Astorga said. “Some people think they’re protecting us, but others just get worried.”

ICE agents are mostly there to arrest people with deportation orders or who’ve broken the law. Their presence has made some students and families feel on edge, especially when there are big operations.

Senior John Bokako said lots of people are angry about what’s happening.

“People are talking about protests and saying ICE went too far with the shootings,” Bokako said. “It feels like nobody knows what’s really going on.”

Some students understand why ICE is there, but still think it can be handled better. Sophomore Wesley Vo said it’s confusing for a lot of people.

“Some say they’re just doing their job,” Vo said. “But the way they do it can be scary and unfair sometimes.”

Not everyone is against ICE. Lawrance Whitman said he thinks the agents are just doing what they’re supposed to.

“They’re enforcing laws made by congress,” Whitman said. “Sometimes tough decisions have to be made to keep them safe.”

People in Minneapolis are still talking about ICE and what their operations mean for the community. Many are hoping for more info from local leaders and federal officials about what’s going to happen next.