Minnesotans stage ‘no work, no school, no shopping’ strike against ICE surge
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA: Tens of thousands of protesters flooded downtown Minneapolis on Friday, joining a sweeping statewide action to oppose an expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in Minnesota. The demonstrations formed part of a coordinated “Day of Truth and Freedom,” which included a general strike and economic blackout under the slogan “no work, no school, no shopping.”
The protest was sparked by the January 7 killing of unarmed Minnesota resident Renee Good by an ICE officer, an incident that has fueled public outrage and intensified calls for federal accountability. Organizers said the action was meant to disrupt daily life and force political leaders to respond to what they described as unchecked ICE operations in the state.
Minnesota protesters demand justice for Renee Good death
Demonstrators called for ICE to withdraw from Minnesota, for the officer involved in Good’s death to face legal consequences, and for an end to additional federal funding for the agency. Protest leaders also demanded an independent investigation into what they described as ICE’s human rights and constitutional violations.
Marchers carried signs reading “Justice for Renee Good,” “Silence is more dangerous than frostbite,” and “This was a terrible idea, Napoleon Bovino,” as they moved through downtown streets in subzero temperatures.
Thousands of workers took the day off in solidarity, while others pledged not to shop on Friday, January 23, as part of the economic blackout. The Minneapolis City Council publicly endorsed the day of action and the general strike.
Major cultural institutions including the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the Minnesota Children’s Museum announced temporary closures in support of the protest.
A Minneapolis childcare worker, who requested anonymity out of concern for immigrant families they serve, said their center shut down for the day after consulting parents. “We got a hugely positive response from the families,” the worker said, adding that many parents were fearful of leaving their homes due to ICE activity but strongly supported the action.
Clergy members urge economic blackout protest
Video footage and eyewitness accounts showed police arresting about 100 clergy members during the demonstrations. Faith leaders joined labor unions and community organizers in urging residents to participate in the economic blackout as a show of resistance.
At Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, hundreds of clergy and supporters rallied Friday morning, calling on airline companies to oppose ICE’s presence in the state. Protesters were seen walking outside in freezing temperatures, singing and praying together.
Deportation flights operate regularly out of the airport. Later in the day, thousands of demonstrators marched through downtown Minneapolis before concluding with a rally inside the Target Center.
The University of Minnesota’s graduate labor union said ICE’s expanded operations have directly affected student workers. Union leaders cited the detention of at least three international students in early 2025, despite an immigration judge ordering their release.
“It’s really concerning that the university is remaining neutral while immigrant communities and international students are under attack,” said Abaki Beck, president of the graduate labor union. Beck said the union is pushing for increased institutional support for immigrant workers and international students.
