Official Statement Re: ICE

Con of the North would first like to state that we agree and stand with the protestors against the deplorable treatment of humans, both citizens and otherwise, which are being perpetrated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol. We are proud that our neighbors, as well as much of the country, are standing up, resilient and united, demanding fair treatment and justice.

Regarding Con of the North 2026 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington South Minneapolis, we have spoken with the General Manager to discuss plans and contingencies should I.C.E. arrive at the hotel during the convention. We understand the Hilton organization, as a whole, has fallen short of denouncing/refusing I.C.E., however our engagement with the staff at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington South Minneapolis has been positive.

The hotel’s policy is attached: ICE Response Plan Protocols.pdf

Con of the North will not comply with I.C.E. unless legally required to do so, such as with a signed judicial warrant; without a legal document, I.C.E. will not be allowed into the private event space Con of the North has rented from the Doubletree.

In addition to this policy, we have asked the hotel to contact Con of the North staff immediately should I.C.E. arrive at the hotel; we also request attendees who see potential I.C.E. vehicles/agents in the parking lot to inform the Con of the North staff, either in person or via Discord.

If I.C.E. does arrive at the Doubletree, we would request that whistles are not used inside the building except by the direction of the Con of the North staff to reduce overall noise for the neuro-divergent individuals at the convention; whistles may (and should) be used outside of the venue. Con of the North is working with the Doubletree to discuss a method of sending a wide-spread audio notification to the event space.

Thank you for your continued trust in Con of the North and recognizing finding joy as a form of defiance to the current situation. For those who feel they need to cancel their hotel reservation or attendance to the convention, we understand and respect your decision and conviction.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff via Discord or info@conofthenorth.org.

-The Magnetron Council 2026