In a symbolic shift from the pink pussy hats of the past, a new red “melt the ICE” hat pattern has gained popularity in 2026, originating from a suburban Minneapolis yarn shop. Initially an act of local “craftivism,” the movement has now spread globally, embodying a commitment beyond mere fashion statements.
Minneapolis has faced increased immigration raids following Trump’s deployment of 2,000 ICE officers to the city. Local resistance has been fierce, with protesters actively tracking ICE vehicles and alerting neighbors with whistles. Tragically, the tensions escalated when federal agents fatally shot two demonstrators, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, sparking international outrage.
Renowned figures like Joni Mitchell and Bad Bunny have voiced opposition to the crackdowns, with pins bearing messages like “Be Good” and “ICE Out” making appearances at prominent events such as the Grammy Awards. The inspiration behind the “melt the ICE” hat traces back to Norway, as shared by the Needle & Skein yarn shop staff in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The red hat, known as a nisselue in Norwegian, served as a symbol of resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II.
Crafters worldwide have joined the movement, adding their unique touches to the social media trend by creating diverse variations of the hats. Notably, Ravelry users even recreated the blue bunny-eared hat worn by Liam Conejo Ramos, the five-year-old boy briefly detained by immigration officers in Minneapolis. The yarn shop has leveraged the pattern sales to raise over $250,000 for immigrant mutual aid groups in Minnesota, supporting individuals affected by ICE raids.
Individuals like Ann Shoemake have embraced “rage knitting” once more, crafting red “melt the ICE” hats as a form of protest against the current immigration policies. Bonetti, a key organizer, stresses the importance of community engagement and mutual aid over mere symbolisms, drawing a distinction from past movements like the pink pussy hats. As crafters mobilize against ICE crackdowns, they advocate for collective action and preparedness for potential future scenarios in other cities.