Pittsburgh Human Rights Agency Promotes 'Tactical' Civil Disobedience Training Amid ICE Protests
The Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations used its official X account to promote a Jan. 13 event in nearby Wilkinsburg billed as 'Rebirthing Civil Disobedience, Part II,' advertising 'tactical training in the art of civil disobedience' and urging residents to 'build your CD muscle' with 'no experience necessary.' The flier, which featured images of police confronting protesters, listed Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists of America and grassroots group 50501 Pittsburgh as partners and highlighted a featured 'practitioner and trainer' described as a legal adviser and human‑rights attorney. The promotion drew online backlash from critics who said a city agency was effectively encouraging organized resistance to federal immigration enforcement, especially in light of the fatal Jan. 7 ICE shooting of Minneapolis activist Renee Nicole Good that has already ignited nationwide protests. None of the groups involved, nor ICE, responded to Fox’s questions, leaving unclear who is funding the training and what specific tactics are being taught. The episode underscores how local human‑rights bodies are becoming players in the fight over ICE tactics and protest strategy, blurring lines between civic education and organized direct‑action preparation.
📌 Key Facts
- Pittsburgh Commission on Human Relations posted a flier on X promoting 'Rebirthing Civil Disobedience, Part II' as 'tactical training in the art of civil disobedience.'
- The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 13, in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, and invites people to 'build your CD muscle' with 'no experience necessary.'
- Logos on the flier include Pittsburgh Democratic Socialists of America and 50501 Pittsburgh, a group that says it pushes back against 'fascist movements, book bans, voter suppression, political violence, and power grabs disguised as patriotism.'
- The promotion comes amid heightened criticism of ICE following the fatal Jan. 7 shooting of Minneapolis immigration activist Renee Nicole Good, which has sparked protests nationwide.
- Fox News says ICE, the city commission and the listed partner groups did not respond to requests for comment about the training or its purpose.
📊 Relevant Data
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old American citizen and immigration activist, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, sustaining four gunshot wounds during an encounter where she was driving an SUV.
Fire Department report: Renee Good had four wounds from gunshots — Star Tribune
Assaults and violence against U.S. ICE law enforcement officers increased by more than 1150% compared to the previous administration, according to DHS data from 2025.
Sanctuary Politicians' Rhetoric Fuels More Than 1,150% Increase in Violence Against ICE Law Enforcement — Department of Homeland Security
From 2020 to 2024, immigration accounted for 94% of Minnesota's net population growth, with over 81,000 new immigrants moving to the state, making it the primary driver of demographic change.
As Boomers die, immigrants propel Minnesota's population growth — MinnPost
Root causes of recent U.S. migration surges include economic opportunity, family reunification, violence, poverty, and political instability in origin countries, with U.S. policies like the Biden Administration's Strategy for Addressing Root Causes focusing on long-term development in Central America.
Central American Migration: Root Causes and U.S. Policy — Congressional Research Service
Immigration has contributed to increased housing demand in U.S. cities, with foreign-born residents accounting for about 60% of recent household growth, leading to rising rental costs, particularly in areas like the Twin Cities where nearly 40% of immigrant households are cost-burdened.
Key Housing Issues Facing Immigrant Communities in the Twin Cities — Minnesota Housing Partnership
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