MINNEAPOLIS — Following two recent killings, hundreds of Minneapolis residents have begun participating in “ICE Watch” patrols, a volunteer neighborhood watch program focused on reporting suspected undocumented individuals to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Jordan, a Minneapolis resident, joined the patrols Tuesday after completing a single day of training, despite her parents’ initial reservations.

The surge in volunteers comes in the wake of the two killings, though authorities have not publicly linked the events to ICE Watch activity. Details surrounding the killings remain limited, but the incidents have heightened concerns and prompted a visible increase in citizen-led patrols across several Minneapolis neighborhoods.

ICE Watch, a national program, empowers community members to observe and report individuals they suspect are in the country illegally. Participants typically patrol in groups, documenting and sharing information with ICE officials. The program’s presence and methods have drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates, who argue that it fosters fear and distrust within immigrant communities and can lead to wrongful reporting and potential harm.

While the Minneapolis Police Department acknowledges the increased presence of ICE Watch volunteers, they emphasize that the department remains responsible for law enforcement and immigration-related matters. Police officials have urged residents to report any criminal activity directly to the police department and to avoid engaging in vigilante actions. The department has not confirmed whether they are cooperating with ICE Watch in any official capacity.

Jordan's decision to join the patrols reflects a growing anxiety among some Minneapolis residents regarding public safety. Her parents’ initial reluctance highlights the complex and often divisive nature of the ICE Watch program, which pits concerns about community safety against concerns about immigrant rights and due process. The long-term impact of this increased citizen involvement in immigration-related observations remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly signals a shift in the dynamics of community policing and neighborhood security in Minneapolis.