In the realm of opposition against U.S. President Donald Trump’s initial term, a predominant symbol was likely the pink pussy hat. However, in 2026, a novel depiction of protest headwear has emerged, stemming from a red “melt the ICE” hat design disseminated online by a yarn store in the outskirts of Minneapolis. Initially a local act of “craftivism,” this movement has now proliferated nationally and globally, with crafters emphasizing a profound dedication to safeguarding communities from immigration crackdowns that transcends mere hat-wearing.
Minneapolis has become a focal point of escalating immigration enforcement operations since the deployment of 2,000 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to the city on January 6. These raids have met fierce local opposition, as demonstrators have trailed unmarked ICE vehicles and alerted residents of their presence using whistles.
In the midst of these tensions, two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal agents, sparking international outrage. Public figures ranging from Joni Mitchell to Bad Bunny have condemned the crackdowns, with pins bearing slogans like “Be Good” and “ICE Out” making a statement at the recent Grammy Awards ceremony.
The genesis of the “melt the ICE” hat can be traced back to Norway, as staff from the Needle & Skein yarn shop in St. Louis Park, Minn., shared the design on Ravelry, a popular crafting platform, last month. Minnesota, known for its high concentration of residents with Norwegian heritage, draws inspiration from the red tasselled hat, known as a “nisselue” in Norwegian, which served as a symbol of patriotism and resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II.
Crafters worldwide have put their own spin on this social media trend, incorporating unique elements like middle fingers and purse charms shaped like the hats. The yarn shop is offering the “melt the ICE” pattern for five dollars, with proceeds exceeding $250,000 USD benefitting immigrant mutual aid groups in Minnesota.
Amidst the current political climate, individuals like Ann Shoemake have rekindled their passion for knitting, engaging in “rage knitting” to create red “melt the ICE” hats for their loved ones. Shoemake stresses the importance of community support and mutual aid, aiming to avoid the perceived shortcomings of past movements, such as the pink pussy hat trend, by emphasizing tangible action over symbolic gestures.
As Democratic-run cities brace for potential federal interventions, activists like Shoemake and Maggie Bonetti are mobilizing efforts to raise awareness and funds for mutual aid initiatives, urging fellow crafters to unite against ICE raids and stand in solidarity with affected communities.
