At least 100,000 people are expected to attend the flagship “No Kings” protest at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul this afternoon.
Minneapolis and St. Paul were the epicenter of Operation Metro Surge, the largest immigration enforcement operation in US history, that led to weeks of protest in the Twin Cities over the winter, particularly after federal agents fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Federal agents used pepper balls, tear gas and pepper spray against protesters during these clashes, and images from the confrontations prompted concerns from some Trump administration officials over the optics of the immigration crackdown, leading to the withdrawal of some federal law enforcement personnel from the region.
Today’s rally is the first major demonstration since Operation Metro Surge wound down last month and is expected to take on a different tone. Music legend Bruce Springsteen is set to perform at the event.
He will join a star‑studded lineup of cultural icons, including famed folk singer and activist Joan Baez, award-winning actress and activist Jane Fonda, and singer Maggie Rogers. Political leaders are also expected to appear at the event, including Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Baez and Fonda spoke out against the Trump administration at a protest in the shadow of the Kennedy Center yesterday.
