Archive · 19 Jan 2026
NYC Socialists Mobilize Against ICE Amid Federal Enforcement Concerns
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York City are organizing 4,000 activists to form rapid response teams.
These teams aim to obstruct federal immigration enforcement, especially ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) operations.
The DSA plans to train 2,000 members and 2,000 non-members, with 50 additional trainers.
They are also expanding their ICE hotline to operate 24/7.
The activists are motivated by the recent death of Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
The DSA wants to be prepared if there is a big wave of federal immigration enforcement.
They are also fundraising to support their efforts.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has ordered about 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska to prepare for a possible deployment to Minnesota, where large protests against the government’s deportation drive are taking place.
President Donald Trump has threatened to use the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if officials in the state do not stop protesters from targeting immigration officials.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has stated that any military deployment would exacerbate tensions in the city.
NYC DSA is mobilizing 4,000 activists to form rapid response teams against ICE.
The group plans to train 2,000 members and 2,000 non-members, with 50 additional trainers.
They are expanding their ICE hotline to operate round-the-clock.
Activists are motivated by the death of Renee Good, shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
The Pentagon has ordered 1,500 active-duty soldiers in Alaska to prepare for a possible deployment to Minnesota amid large protests.
- Who
- Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in New York City, U.S. officials, President Donald Trump, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem
- What
- Mobilization of 4,000 anti-ICE activists to form rapid response battalions, Pentagon prepares 1,500 troops for potential deployment to Minnesota
- When
- Recent meeting of the DSA’s Immigrant Justice Working Group, January 7 (death of Renee Good)
- Where
- People’s Forum in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Why
- Anticipation of a federal immigration enforcement crackdown, anger over the death of Renee Good in Minneapolis, increasing tensions between residents and federal officers
Protesters and Activists
Government and ICE
Use of Military Force
Protesters and Activists
Protesters and activists argue that deploying military forces will exacerbate tensions and is unnecessary, as the protests are largely peaceful.
Government and ICE
The government and ICE justify the potential deployment of military forces as a necessary measure to protect federal property and personnel from protesters.
Federal Overreach
Protesters and Activists
Local leaders and activists accuse the federal government of overreach and exaggerating isolated episodes of violence to justify sending in troops.
Government and ICE
The Trump administration argues that the deployments are necessary to fight crime and protect federal property and personnel from protesters.
- Organization
- Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)
- Number of Activists
- 4,000
- Location
- New York City
- Incident
- Death of Renee Good in Minneapolis
- ICE Operations
- Arrests of illegal migrants convicted of crimes
- Troops on Standby
- 1,500
- Protest Location
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Federal Agents Sent
- 3,000
