Minneapolis nominated for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize for 'nonviolent response' to immigration enforcement

Minneapolis and its residents have been nominated for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, with The Nation magazine submitting the city’s name to the Norwegian Nobel Committee in late January, citing what they describe as the community’s nonviolent response to federal immigration enforcement operations.

The nomination, centered on peaceful protests, mutual aid and solidarity amid controversial federal actions in late 2025 and early 2026, marks an unusual bid for a city rather than an individual or organization.

The editors of the progressive publication argued in their formal nomination that Minneapolis exemplified “democracy and human rights” through its response to Operation Metro Surge — a federal immigration enforcement effort that sparked widespread demonstrations and community pushback following fatal shootings and tensions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The Nobel Peace Prize committee typically receives hundreds of nominations by a January deadline, with a shortlist expected in March and winners announced in October; being nominated does not guarantee inclusion among finalists or victory.

Featured Image Photo Credit: MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 24: A person is tackled by federalz agent amid protests following a shooting on January 24, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Federal agents allegedly shot and killed a protestor amid a scuffle to arrest him. The Trump administration has sent a reported 3,000 federal agents into the area, with more on the way, as they make a push to arrest undocumented immigrants in the region. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)