Teenage brothers Sam and Ben Luhmann have forgone ordinary teenage experiences to become full-time documentarians of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis, capturing what they allege are widespread abuses and violent tactics. Their work, part of a burgeoning national movement of ICE watchers, aims to shed light on the human cost of intensified federal enforcement under the Trump administration.
The 16- and 17-year-old siblings from West Chicago began observing ICE activities last fall after fatal shootings of immigrants in their home state. Following the death of activist Renee Macklin Good in early January, they traveled to Minneapolis, where they have since witnessed and recorded escalating confrontations. Using cell phones and a GoPro camera, they track federal vehicles, log license plates, and film operations, uploading hours of footage to public drives for wider dissemination.
In Minneapolis, the brothers describe a stark escalation compared to Chicago, with roughly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents conducting what the Department of Homeland Security has called its largest operation ever. They have documented agents using chemical irritants, physical force, and what they term racial profiling during arrests. One particularly searing incident from January 21 shows a protester being pepper-sprayed at close range while pinned down by three agents.
The Luhmanns are homeschooled by their mother, Audrey, who supports their mission despite fears for their safety. They couch-surf between relatives and Airbnbs, often sacrificing schoolwork for patrolling. Both boys acknowledge the privilege their white identity affords them in these high-risk situations, noting that agents are less likely to severely abuse white observers.
Their motivation stems from a deep-seated moral conviction. ‘It was just basic morals,’ Sam said, referring to the conditions in detention facilities and family separations they witnessed. Ben added that the experience has been an invaluable education in human rights and community solidarity.
The brothers’ efforts coincide with a surge in community organizing in Minneapolis, a city still grappling with the legacy of George Floyd’s murder. Local advocacy groups report a tripling in volunteer sign-ups for ICE watching after Good’s death. This network of observers, armed with whistles and phones, represents a resilient form of civilian oversight.
Despite the dangers, including a close call when they were near the shooting of Alex Pretti on January 24, the Luhmanns vow to continue. They believe their documentation is crucial for accountability and hope to inspire similar vigilance in other cities. As Sam put it, ‘There needs to be this little sacrifice for people to go out there and document and stand up for what’s right.’
This summary is based on reporting from CNN and the Chicago Sun-Times, both published on February 2, 2026. It synthesizes eyewitness accounts, official statements, and contextual analysis to present a neutral overview of the brothers’ activism and the broader immigration enforcement landscape.
