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The Double Meaning of “Ice Out”

Understanding the Double Meaning of “Ice Out” in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the phrase “Ice Out” carries two distinct meanings, each deeply connected to the state’s unique climate and recent events. Traditionally, “Ice Out” refers to the official notice issued by the Department of Natural Resources, declaring that lakes and rivers are now free of ice. This announcement signals the end of the winter freeze and allows shipping on the Great Lakes to resume.

“Ice Out” as a Seasonal Marker

Northern states like Minnesota are known for their harsh winters, with extreme cold temperatures causing lakes and rivers to freeze over. Minnesota, famously called the land of 10,000 lakes, experiences these conditions every year. The Mississippi River, which has its source in Itasca, Minnesota, can freeze as far south as Saint Louis, Missouri, interrupting shipping traffic throughout the winter months. Duluth, Minnesota, stands as the most western city on Lake Superior, highlighting the state’s strong connection to major waterways.

These frozen lakes and rivers not only affect transportation but also create opportunities for popular winter activities such as ice fishing. However, the ice can be deceptive and dangerous; thin ice has tragically claimed many lives over the years when unsuspecting individuals have fallen through into the icy water below. This danger is well-documented, as seen in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s writings about her family’s crossing of the frozen Mississippi River at Lake Pepin during their journey from Wisconsin to Minnesota.

The Official “Ice Out” Notice

The Department of Natural Resources issues an official “Ice Out” notice when all rivers and lakes are confirmed to be ice free. This key announcement marks the reopening of shipping routes on the Great Lakes, restoring an important aspect of Minnesota’s economy and reconnecting the region to broader commercial activities.

“Ice Out” as a Protest Movement

In more recent times, “Ice Out” has taken on a different, protest-related meaning. The phrase has become a rallying cry against the presence and actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, particularly in response to federal intervention and the deployment of troops in the state. This movement began after the discovery of a significant fraud scheme in which federal and state funds were diverted, leading to charges against about 67 individuals, including some of Somali descent. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the unjust scapegoating of the broader Somali community due to the actions of a few individuals.

Minnesota is typically known for its Democratic-leaning political tendencies and is currently governed by Tim Walz, a Democrat. Tensions escalated when the current president, who opposes Governor Walz, increased federal involvement in Minnesota’s affairs, including the deployment of approximately 3,000 federal troops and ICE detachments. This situation has caused unrest among many residents of Minneapolis and Saint Paul—the Twin Cities—who have responded with protest calls and signs demanding “ICE OUT,” expressing their opposition to ICE operations in their communities.

Further Reading

For more insights into Minnesota’s culture and communities, consider visiting the blog Minnesota Prairie Roots by Audrey Fletcher Helbing, who offers an authoritative perspective on the state.


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Ice Out has a double meaning

In the northern part of the United States and in particular Minnesota where I reside, winters can be quite harsh. The extreme cold temperatures cause our lakes and rivers to freeze over.

Minnesota is known as the land of 10,000 lakes.  The mighty Mississippi river rises here in Itasca and freezes as far south as saint louis Missouri, inhibiting shipping during the winter months. Duluth Minnesota is also the most western city on Lake Superior.

All these lakes and rivers give rise to a favorite winter pastime, namely that of ice-fishing.

Ice, as you may well imagine, can be very deceiving. Thin ice has claimed many lives over the years of unwary people falling through into the frigid water below.

Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about crossing the Mississippi during winter time by a family travelling from Wisconsin to Minnesota at lake Pepin.

But back to the meaning of Ice Out. On the one hand it’s a notice issued by the department of Natural Resources to declare that all rivers and lakes are now ice free. Shipping on the Great lakes can resume. The other meaning is more recent.

Some time ago, a group of people were discovered perpetrating  a massive fraud scheme. They were diverting federal and state funds into their own pockets. So far, about 67 people have been charged with crimes. Among these were a number of people of Somalian descent.

Minnesota is typically a state which is known for voting Democratic. Our Governor Tim Walz is a Democrat. Our current president does not like Gov. Walz and has gone out of his way to interfere in Minnesota’s state affairs. The unfortunate part of this is that Somalis in general have now become the villains because of a few bad actors. Part of the interference in the state’s internal affairs is the deployment of some 3,000 federal troops  and detachments of ICE.

ICE stands for Immigration and Customs enforcement. Naturally this has upset many of the residents of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and saint Paul. Part of their protest calls and signs are for “ICE OUT”. So, there you have it.

For more about the State of Minnesota, I would like to suggest looking up Minnesota Prairie Roots by Audrey Fletcher Helbing. She is a better authority.