Minneapolis Book Ban SHOCK: Will Literary Activism Save the City?!

Supporting Minneapolis Through Literary activism: Book Censorship News, January 30, 2026

Minneapolis Book Ban SHOCK: Will Literary Activism...

How to Aid Minnesotans Amidst ICE's Crackdown: Literary activism Steps Up

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensifies its presence in Minneapolis and other cities, literary activism offers avenues for support. I know, I know, "literary activism" sounds a little highfalutin, but bear with me. It's essentially using the power of books and the literary community to make a real-world difference.

After a year marked by what many describe as authoritarian policies, the deployment of ICE in cities across the U.S. has sparked widespread concern. What began in Los Angeles has since expanded to Washington, D.C., Chicago, and now, a resurgent presence in Minneapolis, with incursions even reaching smaller communities like those in Maine. Critics point out that these targeted areas are often Democratic-leaning cities with significant immigrant populations. It's hard not to see a pattern.

Following a grim year in 2025, during which at least 32 individuals died in ICE custody, concerns are mounting that 2026 could see even higher numbers. In Minneapolis, two fatal shootings by ICE agents account for a significant portion of the city's homicides this year. It's a deeply unsettling situation, and people understandably feel helpless.

Across the nation, communities are rallying to support vulnerable neighbors. Minneapolis has become a focal point for these efforts. Whether you're local to the Twin Cities or not, here are several ways to contribute through literary activism:

**Publishing for Minnesota Auction:** A coalition of authors, illustrators, agents, and editors has launched an auction featuring signed books, manuscript reviews, video chats, and more. The auction, which began on January 28th and concludes tonight, January 30th, will see winning bidders donate to organizations selected by the organizers. Similar auctions have previously raised tens of thousands of dollars. A complete list of items is available [here]. (Link would be inserted here)

**Red Balloon's CAN MN and Local Schools Book Drive:** Red Balloon Bookshop, a children’s bookstore in St. Paul, is collecting books for Community Aid Network Minnesota and local schools. These books will be distributed to children staying home due to the ongoing situation. You can participate by purchasing books from Red Balloon (using the code CANMN20, available both in-store and online) for donation, with a particular need for Spanish-language titles. Monetary donations can also be made through the bookstore.

**A Book of My Own Donation Drive:** This Minnesota nonprofit, which provides curated book collections to families in need, is currently collecting monetary donations to create collections for Minneapolis families, with a focus on Spanish-language books. Donations can be made [here]. (Link would be inserted here)

**Support Dreamhaven Books:** A recent image of 70-year-old comics retailer Greg Ketter being tear-gassed while protesting ICE has circulated widely on social media. Ketter, owner of Dreamhaven Books, which was vandalized in 2020, has been a vocal advocate for his community. While his store's website is currently down, likely due to increased traffic, you can learn more on their Instagram account. Purchases can be made through their eBay and AbeBooks accounts once the website is restored. Ketter has requested that those who want to support him, donate to local orginizations doing the frontline work.