A reported visit by U.S. federal officials to a data center construction site near Harwood, North Dakota, sparked an impromptu protest on January 12, 2024. The gathering was organized by Lyn Dockter-Pinnick from Indivisible Fargo-Moorhead, who mobilized community members upon hearing that Vice President JD Vance would be touring the site. Approximately 20 demonstrators gathered at an intersection south of the $3 billion artificial intelligence data center, chanting slogans such as “JD Vance has got to go” and displaying signs against fascism.
The protest, however, was prompted by a misunderstanding regarding the identity of the visiting official. It was later confirmed by Harwood Mayor Blake Hankey that the dignitary was, in fact, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, the U.S. Secretary of Labor. Chavez-DeRemer is currently on her America At Work Tour, which aims to visit all 50 states. She announced her trip on social media on January 11.
Chavez-DeRemer, accompanied by a convoy of black limousines, arrived at the Fargo Jet Center before heading to the Applied Digital site. Despite the misidentification, Dockter-Pinnick emphasized that the protest aimed to address broader issues, including detentions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and U.S. military actions abroad, particularly in Venezuela.
In her statements to The Forum, Dockter-Pinnick expressed significant concern over the treatment of immigrants, stating, “No good comes from that kind of occupation. No good comes from using military force against civilians in a peaceful time.” The protest took on added urgency following the recent fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, which has heightened tensions within immigrant communities.
Michael Southam, co-founder of FM Volunteers for Ukraine, attended the protest to show solidarity with those affected by recent ICE activities. He reported that Ukrainian individuals in the Twin Cities, who have pending asylum cases or temporary protected status, are living in fear of detainment. “Some people are scared to leave their homes. Others are really afraid that ICE will break into their homes or into their apartments,” Southam noted.
Dockter-Pinnick reiterated that many individuals detained across the United States are legal immigrants, countering narratives that portray them as threats. She argued that labeling immigrants as enemies is a tactic reminiscent of fascism, which her father, a World War II veteran, fought against. “We’re really, really concerned for our neighbors, and we’re really, really concerned about what is happening in our country,” she stated.
The protest reflects broader national sentiments regarding immigration policies and the actions of federal agencies. As the situation continues to evolve, community members remain vigilant about the implications for their local and national landscape.