Episode 33: Nicole Melancon: Survival Food Amid Occupation

In early 2026, Minneapolis became the epicentre of a federal crackdown known as 'Operation Metro Surge.' With over 2,300 militarized federal agents, masked and armed, flooding the streets, the city was effectively under occupation. The atmosphere of terror reached a breaking point with the fatal shootings of two citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by federal agents.

These killings sent a chilling message: no one was safe. For thousands of immigrant families, specifically within the Hmong, Latino, and Southeast Asian communities, the simple act of grocery shopping became a life-threatening risk. Families retreated into the shadows, and when a community is too afraid to step outside for bread or milk, food becomes the front line of resistance.

Nicole Melancon is a freelance journalist and content editor for GLP Films, an award-winning video storytelling agency for sustainable tourism.  While she usually reports on global health abroad, her most critical work recently happened in her own backyard when she began volunteering at a church that transformed into a logistical hub to feed 29,000 families in hiding from ICE raids.

We got to speak with Nicole about her experience supporting this coordinated effort to help a scared society in need of the very basics of survival. Food.

To discover more about Nicole’s work check out her website Third Eye Mom.

To learn more about the the ICE raids in Minneapolis, or “Operation Metro Surge”:

Why are ICE agents targeting Minneapolis?

5 Takeaway’s from Trump’s Immigration Crackdown in Minnesota

Twin Cities on Edge as ICE Raids Ignite Fear

Minneapolis grapples with lingering trauma, economic damage after ICE surge.