A viral video exposing yoga patrons’ profanity-laced tirade against studio staff for removing an anti-ICE sign reveals how leftist activists are now bullying private businesses into embracing political activism—and worse, corporate America is caving.
Story Snapshot
- At least a dozen CorePower Yoga customers in Minneapolis aggressively confronted staff, demanding the company condemn ICE and reinstate a removed anti-ICE protest sign
- Led by longtime member Heather Anderson, patrons hurled profanity at two female employees in a confrontation captured on video and posted to TikTok
- CorePower initially removed the handmade sign, citing staff safety concerns, but quickly capitulated by replacing it with standardized anti-ICE language and distributing signage across studios
- The company temporarily suspended memberships of involved patrons before reinstating most, while permanently banning only Anderson
- The incident highlights how leftist mobs weaponize social pressure to force businesses into political compliance, undermining corporate neutrality and free association rights
Leftist Mob Tactics at Wellness Studio
Following a yoga class in late January 2026, approximately a dozen CorePower Yoga customers cornered two female staff members in the studio lobby, demanding immediate condemnation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Minneapolis. The confrontation, led by nearly 10-year member Heather Anderson, featured profanity-laced berating of a studio manager and regional director named Delaney. Patrons snapped their fingers in support as Anderson filmed the encounter, accusing staff of complicity and demanding corporate accountability. The employees appeared flustered, explaining they had removed a handmade anti-ICE sign for safety reasons amid recent tragic events in the city.
Corporate Capitulation to Activist Demands
CorePower Yoga’s response exemplifies the troubling pattern of businesses surrendering to leftist pressure campaigns rather than defending their right to remain neutral. The company replaced the removed sign with standardized corporate language stating that ICE and law enforcement entry requires a valid judicial warrant, distributed similar signage across studios, and issued statements condemning immigration raids. A spokesperson claimed studios exist for “mindfulness, belonging, respect” while committing to community support during this “devastating time.” This capitulation rewards mob tactics and sets a dangerous precedent for forcing private businesses to adopt political positions. For conservatives who value free enterprise and oppose government overreach, this represents corporate cowardice undermining business autonomy.
Selective Accountability and Membership Actions
CorePower’s handling of participant accountability further demonstrates inconsistent principles. The company temporarily paused memberships of attendees involved in the confrontation, later reinstating over half after conducting conversations. Only Heather Anderson received a permanent ban, despite orchestrating and filming the incident. Anderson expressed no regrets, viewing her permanent expulsion as evidence of successful impact. One nurse present during the confrontation criticized the company for harming immigrant communities through perceived inaction. The selective enforcement suggests CorePower prioritized damage control over consistent standards, revealing how businesses navigate between customer appeasement and maintaining order when facing activist pressure.
Minneapolis ICE Enforcement Context
The confrontation occurred against the backdrop of intensified ICE enforcement operations in Minneapolis under the Trump administration. Two demonstrators were killed during anti-ICE protests in the city, prompting FBI investigations and widespread activism demanding businesses display anti-ICE signage. Minneapolis serves as a progressive hub with strong immigrant communities and heightened anti-ICE sentiment. The CorePower incident represents broader pressure on businesses to take public stances on immigration enforcement. For conservatives supporting lawful immigration enforcement and rule of law, the aggressive tactics employed by these activists—demanding businesses oppose federal law enforcement agencies—represent an alarming rejection of constitutional authority and an embrace of sanctuary-style obstruction.
This incident illustrates how leftist activism has infiltrated even wellness spaces traditionally associated with mindfulness and neutrality. The irony of yoga patrons—supposedly practicing serenity and respect—aggressively berating working women over corporate political positioning exposes the authoritarian impulses underlying much progressive activism. The viral video sparked national debate about corporate responsibility, activist tactics, and the appropriateness of demanding businesses adopt political positions. For Americans who value individual liberty, limited government, and freedom of association, this confrontation serves as a cautionary tale about how social justice movements increasingly coerce compliance through public shaming and economic pressure rather than persuasion and democratic processes.
Sources:
CorePower Yoga responds to viral video of customers berating staff over anti-ICE sign
Yoga students in Minneapolis demand instructors condemn ICE
