PUBLIC FORUM | Cities Under Siege

Cities Under Siege

Venue The Delacorte Theater

The arrival of an estimated 3,000 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minnesota—dubbed Operation Metro Surge—began a period of significant civic unrest with far-reaching impact on public safety, law enforcement, the local economy and workforce, education, and the daily lives of Minnesotans. In January 2026, The Public Theater and The Guthrie Theater partnered to commission acclaimed documentary theater artists Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen to capture firsthand interviews, begin in-depth engagement with affected communities, and embark on the creation of a new play, THE SURGE, featuring Minnesotans’ real experiences. This special Forum evening will feature a sneak peek from this urgent work in progress and discussion around how cities and civilians respond in moments of crisis.

Free Day-Of Ticket Distributions

Ways to Get Tickets

There are multiple in-person distribution points for free day-of tickets, as well as the TodayTix digital lottery.

Distribution in Central Park
- Beginning at 12PM, tickets will be distributed outside The Delacorte for that evening's Public Forum.
In-person lottery at The Public Theater
- At 12PM, a lottery will be held in the lobby.
Digital lottery with TodayTix
- The digital lottery will be open for entries until 12PM on the date of the Public Forum via the TodayTix app.
Standby line in Central Park
- Tickets will be distributed outside The Delacorte as early as 6PM until the beginning of the performance, based on availability.