Minnesota Theater Community Responds to ICE Raids & Renee Good’s Death
The arts community in Minnesota is responding to a period of grief and protest following the death of Renee Nicole Good and increased actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting immigrant communities in the Twin Cities. These actions have impacted Somali, Southeast Asian, and Latine residents, sparking a wave of artistic expression and direct action.
Artistic Responses to Crisis
Protest Through Song
Artists are channeling the current climate into their work. Brian Quijada, co-writer of Mexodus, penned lyrics reflecting on Good’s death, singing, “She died for a reason we all know is fact/She died for fighting back.” A.J. Holmes and Caitlin Cook similarly expressed the sentiment with the lines, “Wrong place, wrong time, wrong country.”
Theaters Take a Stand
The response extends beyond individual artists, with numerous Minnesota theaters joining a general strike on January 23rd, dubbed “ICE Out of Minnesota for Truth and Freedom.” This strike, endorsed by Minnesota’s AFL-CIO labor union, involves refraining from typical activities – shopping, work, and school – in favor of advocacy and reflection.
Participating theaters include Theater Mu, the Playwrights Center, the Guthrie Theatre (which canceled a performance of Matthew López’s Somewhere), Park Square Theatre, History Theatre, Theatre Latté Da, and Mixed Blood Theatre, among others. These institutions, particularly those focused on diverse representation, view the situation as deeply personal.
Community Support and Resources
Theater Mu released a statement in solidarity with immigrants and refugees, and shared a list of resources for immigrant and protester rights, including links to MN Immigrant Rights Action Committee, MN8, and CAIR-MN. Park Square Theatre shared resources from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, while Mixed Blood Theatre provided a link to mutual aid resources.
Despite the widespread pause in programming, Theater Mu is proceeding with its New Eyes Festival of works by AAPI playwrights, scheduled for January 23-25. Following tonight’s performance, attendees will be invited to process their feelings and connect with resources.
Beyond ICE: Financial Challenges at Jungle Theater
The Jungle Theater is facing separate challenges, announcing a pause in programming for the remainder of its 2025-26 season due to financial difficulties. This decision came after postponing a reading of I Never Asked for a GoFundMe by Jayne Deely. However, the theater’s location near Wrecktangle Pizza and Smitten Kitten – sites where community members recently confronted ICE agents – underscores the interconnectedness of these events.
Jungle Theater leaders expressed their solidarity with the immigrant community, stating their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming space for all artists and audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the general strike on January 23rd?
The general strike, titled “ICE Out of Minnesota for Truth and Freedom,” was organized as a collective day of action and reflection in response to the death of Renee Nicole Good and increased ICE raids targeting immigrant communities in the Twin Cities.
Which theaters have paused their programming in solidarity?
The Playwrights’ Center in St. Paul fully paused programming and services. The Guthrie Theatre canceled a performance, and Park Square Theatre, History Theatre, Theatre Latté Da, and Mixed Blood Theatre are among those participating in the January 23rd strike.
What resources are being shared by the theaters?
Theater Mu shared resources about immigrant and protester rights, Park Square Theatre shared resources from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and Mixed Blood Theatre shared mutual aid resources.
As Minnesota’s arts community navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how these expressions of solidarity will shape future conversations and actions regarding immigration and social justice.