ICE Out
Political slogan opposing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ICE Out is a political slogan in the United States expressing opposition to the activities and presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The phrase gained prominence and widespread use during the January 23, 2026 Minnesota protests against ICE in response to Operation Metro Surge.[1]
Protesters gather to march at the Ice Out of MN march in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 23 2026. | |
| Origin | January 23, 2026 Minnesota protests against ICE |
|---|---|
| Context | Protests against mass deportation during the second Trump administration |
| Meaning | Protest Slogan rejecting ICE |
Background and origin
On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump began his second presidential term and immediately implemented sweeping immigration enforcement measures, declaring illegal immigration a national emergency.[2] The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) authorized personnel from numerous federal agencies, including ICE, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), to assist in carrying out the administration's mass deportation policies. Over 2025, protests against these deportation efforts erupted in cities across the United States, including California, Illinois, New York and Minnesota. During this time, the slogan "ICE Out" gained prominence.[3][4]
Operation Metro Surge
Beginning in December 2025, the DHS launched Operation Metro Surge, deploying thousands of ICE, CBP, and HSI agents to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. DHS described it as "the largest immigration enforcement operation ever carried out."[5] The operation initially targeted the Twin Cities and later expanded statewide. It was immediately condemned by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and local law enforcement leaders. Anti-ICE protests intensified following two high-profile incidents of violence; the Killing of Renee Good, the Killing of Alex Pretti and the Detention of Liam Conejo Ramos in January 2026.[5]
Mainstream visibility
Awards ceremonies
At the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 11, 2026, actors and filmmakers including Mark Ruffalo, Wanda Sykes, Natasha Lyonne, Jean Smart, and Ariana Grande wore "Be Good" and "ICE Out" pins in honor of Renée Nicole Good.[6] The ACLU-endorsed protest campaign was organized by a group of entertainment industry professionals to raise awareness and encourage good citizenship amidst current tensions.[7]
At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, popular musicians Joni Mitchell, Billie Eilish, Justin Bieber, Samara Joy and Kehlani wore pins and badges reading "ICE Out".[8] Bad Bunny said "ICE Out" when accepting an award during a passionate and well-received speech about deportation raids and human rights.[9][10]
Actors Natasha Rothwell, Tessa Thompson and Kumail Nanjiani spoke out against ICE at the 2026 Indie Spirit Awards.[11]
Fashion
Fashion Designers at New York Fashion Week wore "ICE Out" pins including Rachel Scott, Hillary Taymour, Henry Zankov, and Maria McManus.[12]
Sporting Events
2026 Winter Olympics
During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, street artist Laika incorporated "ICE OUT" into art displayed near the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) headquarters in Rome.[13]
International Attention: Protests against ICE actions spread to Italy, particularly in Milan during the 2026 Winter Olympics, where local political groups, unions, and civil society organizations displayed banners and murals echoing the "ICE Out" message.[14]
Super Bowl LX
Bad Bunny's half-time performance garnered criticism from U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and support from the National Football League.[15]
CONTRA-ICE organized Flags in The Stands to counter potential presence of ICE agents at the event. "ICE Out" towels were handed out to attendees as they entered the stadium.[16][17]
Reactions
In Saint Paul, Minnesota artistic design is highlighted as a protest tool at a poster pop-up event featuring anti-ICE slogans.[18]
Timeline
January 2026
- Minneapolis: The killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer sparked nationwide outrage and intensified calls for accountability. Protests and vigils in Minneapolis marked the first major public use of the slogan "ICE Out" as a call to remove ICE from local communities.[19]
- 50,000 people marched in sub zero winter temperature engaging in a city-wide General strike. The protesters demanded that 1) ICE leave their cities 2) Prosecution of the officer who shot Killing of Renée Good.[20][21]
- The slogan gained further visibility during the 2026 United States general strike, when demonstrators across the country displayed banners and signs reading "ICE Out".[22][23]
- Organized by the 50501 movement group, staged sit-ins and protests at Target retail stores across the United States in cities such as Chicago, D.C., New York City, and Minneapolis.[24]