Indigenous artists use art to protest ICE raids

Indigenous artists in Minneapolis are using visual art and fashion to respond to federal immigration enforcement actions, according to reporting by ICT.

Graphic designer Jearica Fountain, a citizen of the Karuk Tribe, is creating digital artwork from her home in south Minneapolis to raise awareness about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement surge in the city. Fountain said her designs are displayed across the Minneapolis metro area and have been used by local action groups at protests. One of her most shared images references Minnesota’s winter climate and includes the phrase “Mni Sota Makoce knows how to handle ICE.” Fountain said she is also donating proceeds from sold prints to local relief organizations.

Lac Courte Oreilles tribal citizen Aerius Benton-Banai created a red ribbon dress featuring the phrase “No One is Illegal on Stolen Land” after learning about immigration activity in the Twin Cities. Benton-Banai said she wore the dress in a video shared with her social media followers to express solidarity with impacted communities.