Detroit Small Businesses Join National General Strike Against ICE, Citing Racist Policies
In a show of solidarity with protests in Minnesota, several small businesses in the Detroit area closed their doors on Friday as part of a nationwide general strike against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The strike, which took place on National Shutdown Day, was sparked by the Trump administration's deadly crackdown on immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
The protest is centered around the deaths of two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by ICE agents in recent weeks. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Minnesota to demand an end to the agency's actions, which they describe as a racist agenda.
In response to the growing outcry, small business owners across Detroit decided to join the strike by closing their shops. Instagram posts from several businesses, including Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, and Witch House Tattoo, confirmed that they would be shutting down on Friday in solidarity with the protesters.
Others chose not to close but still expressed their support for the movement. Folk cafe and market in Corktown posted a message stating that they would remain open but would continue to provide a safe space for their community "where all are welcome to commune and connect."
However, some businesses were more vocal in their opposition to ICE policies. Bad Luck Bar in downtown Detroit posted an Instagram message saying "FUCK ICE" and explaining that the business needs to prioritize its employees' safety and livelihoods.
As part of the strike, some businesses also took steps to show their solidarity with the protesters. Moondog Cafe recommended customers pay with cash and pledged to donate a portion of sales to local mutual aid organizations. Downtown cafe and music venue Trinsophes announced that all concession revenues from Friday evening's concert would be donated to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
The strike is just one of several high-profile protests against ICE policies in recent months. With the agency facing mounting criticism for its actions, small businesses like those in Detroit are increasingly taking a stand by joining the fight against what they see as racist and oppressive policing practices.
In a show of solidarity with protests in Minnesota, several small businesses in the Detroit area closed their doors on Friday as part of a nationwide general strike against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The strike, which took place on National Shutdown Day, was sparked by the Trump administration's deadly crackdown on immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
The protest is centered around the deaths of two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by ICE agents in recent weeks. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Minnesota to demand an end to the agency's actions, which they describe as a racist agenda.
In response to the growing outcry, small business owners across Detroit decided to join the strike by closing their shops. Instagram posts from several businesses, including Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, and Witch House Tattoo, confirmed that they would be shutting down on Friday in solidarity with the protesters.
Others chose not to close but still expressed their support for the movement. Folk cafe and market in Corktown posted a message stating that they would remain open but would continue to provide a safe space for their community "where all are welcome to commune and connect."
However, some businesses were more vocal in their opposition to ICE policies. Bad Luck Bar in downtown Detroit posted an Instagram message saying "FUCK ICE" and explaining that the business needs to prioritize its employees' safety and livelihoods.
As part of the strike, some businesses also took steps to show their solidarity with the protesters. Moondog Cafe recommended customers pay with cash and pledged to donate a portion of sales to local mutual aid organizations. Downtown cafe and music venue Trinsophes announced that all concession revenues from Friday evening's concert would be donated to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
The strike is just one of several high-profile protests against ICE policies in recent months. With the agency facing mounting criticism for its actions, small businesses like those in Detroit are increasingly taking a stand by joining the fight against what they see as racist and oppressive policing practices.
it's wild to think about how much power small businesses can have when they come together like this... I mean, these entrepreneurs aren't just protesting for their employees' rights, they're also putting their own livelihoods on the line by choosing not to profit from a system that actively works against people of color. 
It's like, if we want real change, we gotta be willing to get our hands dirty and take risks – but at the same time, it's crazy to see how quickly these small businesses are being able to mobilize and use their platforms for good. 
ICE needs to be held accountable for their actions, it's absolutely heartbreaking that two protesters were killed by them. The fact that small businesses in Detroit are taking a stand and showing solidarity with the movement is truly inspiring 
#JusticeForReneeAndAlex #EndICE #SolidarityWithSmallBusinesses
it's all about creating safe spaces for everyone. And Moondog Cafe's idea of paying with cash and donating to mutual aid organizations? Genius 
#PayWithCash #SupportLocalBusinesses
it's all about standing up for what you believe in. The fact that Trinsophes is donating concession revenue to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota? That's just amazing 
#DonationsMatter
, shutting down their shops to show solidarity with the protesters is super powerful 
. It's crazy that ICE policies are affecting not just the people protesting but also innocent businesses like Drifter Coffee and Witch House Tattoo 
. On a more positive note, it's awesome that some places are taking steps to support the movement too, like Moondog Cafe donating a portion of sales 
!
so when people in corktown cafe said they'd stay open but still create a safe space for their community, i was like yaaas please! 
love it. but seriously though, these small businesses are taking a big stand against racist policies and it's so inspiring 
... I mean, it's crazy that these deaths happened & people are still fighting for change 
. Small biz owners in Detroit showing solidarity is super inspiring 
... anyway, it's great that Moondog Cafe is supporting the cause by donating sales & Trinsophes is too with their concert gig 
. Guess ICE needs to rethink their policies or risk more protests & small biz owners joining the fight 
