Minneapolis anti-ICE manual instructs agitators to make 'flashpoints' to 'inspire people into taking more militant, organized action'

A document reportedly distributed among anti-ICE agitators on Signal in Minneapolis has revealed that among the goals for agitators is to "escalate at ICE abductions and create potential flashpoints." The document obtained by independent journalist Cam Hibgy, titled "'Dispatch, Please Advise': Tactics for Fighting the Federal Occupation of Minnesota by ICE," states that there are four "goals" when following ICE.

These goals are: "1. Throw ICE off their course, waste their time, and force them to drive away; 2. Alert at-risk people to ICE presence; 3. Make the whole neighborhood aware of ICE presence to get them outside and resisting; 4. Escalate ICE at abductions and create potential flashpoints."

"Flashpoints" are described as "specific times and places where a crisis quickly spreads and dramatically escalates. When we say 'flashpoint,' we mean any time and place where masses of people are directly confronting the armed force of the state."

The document lists "tips for thinking strategically during a potential flashpoint," among which is "determine the goal." The document states, "is the goal to stop an abduction, de-arrest someone/multiple individuals, create a blockade to prevent opps from coming or going, push back on the creation of a boundary, or something else? Consider what it will take to accomplish the chosen goal, and whether the rest of your present AG is on board with said goal. Is it achievable based on who is present?"

The document stated that there are "several places" in the Twin Cities area "that already have, or could in the future, escalate into larger, more sustained confrontations. Another murder, a prolonged and escalating abduction attempt, fascist civilians escalating violently, or mass protests that spill out into an escalated confrontation with the state are all potential situations that could lead to flashpoints."

"These possibilities are dangerous, but they are also sites at which we can escalate our resistance and inspire people into taking more militant, organized action. We need to be prepared for these moments, we need to keep each other safe, and we need to be able to escalate when it is strategic."

The document lists a number of locations, including hotels where ICE agents are staying and the Whipple Federal Building, as "a few places we should be prioritizing to best achieve these goals."