Whipple Building Protest

Protest during Operation Metro Surge.

January 16, 2026 · Whipple Federal Building, Fort Snelling, MN

On January 16, 2026, protesters gathered outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Fort Snelling, MN, to oppose Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement initiative that deployed thousands of agents across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area.

The Whipple Federal Building had been a focal point of local resistance since December 2025, when it became known as both a detention facility and the operational headquarters for ICE and allied federal agencies participating in the surge.

Federal agents from U.S. Border Patrol, BORTAC, Homeland Security, and other agencies deployed in riot gear and tactical equipment outside the facility on January 16. At least one protester, William Kelly — known online as dawokefarmer — was pursued and arrested by federal officers during the demonstration.

American flag in snow at the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, with graffiti on the entrance sign.View full post: “Pigs” Graffiti Defaces Whipple Federal Building Sign, Minneapolis
January 16, 2026 — An American flag is planted in the snow in front of the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis. The building, which houses Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices, was the site of protests related to immigration enforcement. The sign at the entrance, indicating "Employees Only," has been defaced with graffiti, including the word "Pigs." The Whipple Building, located near Minneapolis, serves as a federal facility being used as an ICE detention center as well as where thousands of federal agents are operating out of during "Operation Metro Surge". It's been a place of protest since December 2025.
Abolish ICE NAZI Scum Protest Signs in MinnesotaView full post: Abolish ICE NAZI Scum Protest Signs in Minnesota
January 16, 2026 — Protest signs outside the Whipple Federal Building near Minneapolis. The building has been used as a detention center for immigration actions.
A protester holds a sign at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis, facing law enforcement officers.View full post: Protester Holds Minnesota Flag Sign Facing Police Line at Whipple Building
January 16, 2026 — A protester holds a sign depicting a stylized flag outside the Whipple Federal Building near Minneapolis on January 16, 2026. The building serves as a facility for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This protest occurred during "Operation Metro Surge," a federal operation targeting undocumented immigrants in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Jonathan Ross Protest Sign at Whipple BuildingView full post: Jonathan Ross Protest Sign at Whipple Building
January 16, 2026 — A protest sign at the Whipple Building that reads "Jonathan Ross Is A Murderer & Coward". Jonathan Ross has been identified as the ICE agent who shot Renee Good in the head on January 6, 2026 prior to walking away calling her a "fucking bitch".
US Border Patrol SRT officers in tactical gear at the Whipple Building in Minneapolis on January 16, 2026.View full post: Minneapolis: Border Patrol SRT Officer at Whipple Building
January 16, 2026 — Federal agents, including a US Border Patrol SRT officer, are seen in tactical gear outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis on January 16, 2026. The Whipple Building, a federal building, has been used as a ICE detention center and a home base for the thousands of agents in town during "Operation Metro Surge".
Protester holding cardboard sign reading "This Aggression Will Not Stand!!" at Minneapolis immigration enforcement protest.View full post: “This Aggression Will Not Stand” Sign at Whipple Building Protest
January 16, 2026 — A protester holds a sign reading "This Aggression Will Not Stand!!" outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis on January 17, 2026. The protest occurred during Operation Metro Surge, a federal initiative that increased immigration enforcement presence in several cities.
Protesters faced Border Patrol BORTAC officers in Minneapolis on January 16, 2026.View full post: Minneapolis Protest: Protester faces Border Patrol BORTAC officers
January 16, 2026 — Protesters faced off against Border Patrol BORTAC officers at the Whipple building near Minneapolis on January 16, 2026. The building has been a place of protest since December 2025 as it's being used as a ICE detention center.
Homeland Security police officers in riot gear and gas masks stand in formation outside the Whipple Building in MinneapolisView full post: Federal Police in Riot Gear Outside Whipple Building, Minneapolis
January 16, 2026 — Homeland Security Police officers, clad in riot gear and gas masks, stand in formation outside the Whipple Building in Minneapolis on January 16, 2026. This deployment occurred during "Operation Metro Surge," a federal initiative focused on immigration enforcement. The Whipple Building, a federal facility, serves as a key location for various government agencies, including those involved in immigration and customs enforcement as well as a detention center.
Federal officers pursue a protester at the Whipple Building in Minneapolis during snowy weather.View full post: Federal Agents Pursue William Kelly Near Whipple Federal Building
January 16, 2026 — Federal law enforcement officers, including U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security personnel, pursue and arrest protester William Kelly (dawokefarmer) outside the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis on January 16, 2026. The Whipple Federal Building, located near Minneapolis, serves as the base of operation for thousands of federal agents as well as the ICE detention center. The building has been a place of protest since December 2025.
William Kelly aka Dawokefarmer at WhippleView full post: William Kelly (Dawokefarmer) at Whipple
January 16, 2026 — William Kelly protests with an upside-down flag at the Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis.
Protest sign at the Charles H. Whipple Federal Building in Minneapolis calls to release Trump files.View full post: “Release the Trump Files” Sign Near Whipple Federal Building
January 16, 2026 — A "Vote for pedro" "Release The Trump Files" protest sign. The protest is outside the Whipple federal building near Minneapolis. The building is being used as a detention center and base of operations for thousands of federal agents during "Operation Metro Surge".
ICE: Inflict Chaos Everywhere, Whipple ICE FacilityView full post: “ICE: Inflict Chaos Everywhere” Sign Outside the Whipple Building
January 16, 2026 — A protest sign seen at the Whipple Federal Building on January 16, 2026 that reads "ICE: Inflict Chaos Everywhere".
Protesters in Minneapolis hold a modified American flag with slogans including "FREE PALESTINE" and "LIQUIDATE I.C.E."View full post: “No Kings” Flag from Lexington, KY at Whipple Building Protest
January 16, 2026 — A protester holds an American flag during a protest against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. The flag displays slogans such as "FREE PALESTINE," "LIQUIDATE I.C.E.," and "NO KINGS," along with "LEXINGTON, KY" indicating the location of the protest. The protest is outside the Whipple federal building near Minneapolis. The building is being used as a detention center and base of operations for thousands of federal agents during "Operation Metro Surge".
Federal agents drive into the Whipple ICE facility in Minneapolis during Operation Metro Surge on January 16, 2026.View full post: Federal Agent Shouts from Van Near Whipple Building, Minneapolis
January 16, 2026 — Federal agents drive into the Whipple ICE facility in Minneapolis on January 16th, 2026, amidst Operation Metro Surge. Protesters gathered near the facility's gates, with some agents reacting by pointing and shouting. The Whipple Federal Building serves as a detention center for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the region.

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