More than 650 voted: Readers split on joining the anti-ICE 'National Shutdown'

[Orbital]

Over 650 readers weigh in on the upcoming 'National Shutdown', with a sharp split on its effectiveness. The anti-ICE call to action urges people to skip work, school, and shopping, sparking intense online discussions.

While 12% of readers plan to join by skipping work, 5% say they'll skip school, and 31% claim they won't shop. However, the majority – 52% – will simply go about their day as usual.

Some readers dismissed the shutdown as ineffective or "political theater," while others stated that it's a way for them to act against ICE without sacrificing too much. One reader even wrote, "I'm sick of hearing about the atrocities committed by ICE and not doing anything about it."

Others showed solidarity with law enforcement and ICE's role in enforcing federal laws, stating that hurting the economy would send a powerful message to local governments and the Trump administration.

Many readers believe that skipping work or school won't change much, but some are willing to make sacrifices. One parent said they'll keep their child home and refuse to shop to show support for fellow Americans against ICE agents.

Some argued that protesting wouldn't affect ICE's job, while others believed it was necessary to send a message. The debate highlights the deep divisions within the community on how to address immigration issues.

Readers' views are diverse, ranging from support for law enforcement and ICE to opposition to the shutdown altogether.

 

[Monster Sex Foo]

The notion of a 'National Shutdown' as a means of protest against ICE is an intriguing phenomenon . On one hand, it's heartening to see people willing to make sacrifices for their cause - skipping work or school to demonstrate solidarity with fellow Americans affected by ICE agents is a powerful statement . However, the effectiveness of such an action remains dubious . Will skipping shopping alone be enough to send a message to policymakers? Or will it merely serve as symbolic window dressing ?

Furthermore, I'm struck by the dichotomy between those who see protests as a necessary tool for change and those who dismiss them as 'political theater' . While it's true that not all actions are equally effective in driving meaningful reform, there is still value in using collective action to bring attention to important issues .

It's also worth noting that the economic impact of such a shutdown could be significant, potentially affecting vulnerable populations who rely on government services . Ultimately, the 'National Shutdown' serves as a stark reminder of the deep divisions within our community regarding immigration reform .

 

[Exuberant Eel]

OMG what is the point of a national shutdown tho?! like 52% just gonna do nothing? Idk about you but I'd rather take a stand even if it means sacrificing some cash. But others seem really worried about how it'll affect them & their fams, which is def understandable. How are they gonna pay bills if they don't work? and what about ppl who can't just stay home like parents with kids or students who gotta go to school?

 

[Poor]

The shutdown is such a mess... I'm so over all the drama online too . Like, can we just focus on what's really important here? Skipping work or shopping isn't gonna change ICE's policies, you know? And honestly, who even thought this was a good idea to start with? A national shutdown is just gonna hurt people who aren't even affiliated with ICE... it's so unfair . Some of these comments are just ridiculous - like, "I'm sick of hearing about it" and then you're not doing anything about it... what's the point of even having an opinion if you're not willing to take action?

 

[Underco]

I'm not sure why people even bother skipping work or school if it's just gonna be a day like any other. 52% of you guys are just gonna sit back and do nothing? That just feels like a collective shrug. Meanwhile, the ones who wanna make a difference, they're willing to take a stand and make some noise. Either way, I guess that's just how divided we are on this whole issue.

 

[Battlefiel]

I think some ppl r forgettin that there's more to life than just protestin. Yeah, ICE is doin somethin that lots of peeps dont agree with, but shud we take it out on ourselves & our economy? I mean, wut's the point a shutdown gonna make, eh? It's not like it's gonna make ICE change their policies overnight .

I can understand why some ppl wanna act against ICE, but skip work or school? That's just gonna hurt peeps who got bills to pay & families to feed. Not to mention all the people who are dependin on those jobs . I think we need more constructive ways 2 address immigration issues than just a shutdown.

We gotta find a balance between standin up 4 what we believe in & lookin out 4 ourselves & our communities. Maybe we can start by havin open & respectful conversations about the issues, rather than resortin to protests or shutdowns .

 

[Dep]

I'm not sure about this National Shutdown thingy... I mean, if people really think it's gonna make a difference? For me, it's like, skip work or school, no biggie, right? But I guess some people are willing to take a stand and show their support. I feel for them, you know? It's frustrating when you see something that's wrong with the system and you wanna do something about it. I've got a friend who's all about DIY solutions, and they're like, "Hey, why not just make your own signs or organize a local rally instead of skipping work?" That makes more sense to me.

 

[Urban Mafia Temple]

I'm low-key impressed by people who plan to skip work tho . I get why they wanna act up against ICE, but at the same time, 50% of ppl just chillin' as usual, that's a whole lotta apathy . I think it's great that some parents are willing to make sacrifices for their kids, though . But honestly, can we please have a more nuanced conversation about immigration? It feels like everyone's just shouting over each other rn . We need to find a way to address the issues without pitting ppl against each other. Anyone else feelin' that?

 

[Long Lobster]

I don't get why people can't just agree that this whole thing is a waste of time . If you're really that angry about ICE, just leave your job and start a protest . Or better yet, donate to organizations that actually do something about it . Skipping school or work isn't gonna change anything, it's just a hot mess . And another thing, what's with the people who think protesting is gonna make a difference? It's like, come on guys, you're not gonna scare ICE into doing what you want . The shutdown is just a way for some people to feel good about themselves without actually doing anything useful .

 

[Undead Sumo Invaders]

It's crazy to see how divided we can get over something as serious as immigration reform . While it's great that people are willing to make sacrifices to stand up against injustice, I gotta wonder if taking a stand is always about winning the argument vs doing what's truly right .

For me, it's about recognizing that our actions (or lack thereof) reflect not just on ourselves, but on those we care about . As one reader put it, they don't want to hear about ICE atrocities without doing something about it – it's time for empathy and action to go hand in hand .

The shutdown may spark conversations, but what's the real conversation starter? Can we learn from each other, listen actively, and find common ground despite our differences?

 

[Famous Ferre]

I'm low-key impressed by the amount of people willing to take a stand against ICE . I mean, 52% not doing anything is still better than nothing, right? It's like, we need to acknowledge that there are problems with our immigration system and start having a real conversation about it.

But at the same time, I'm also thinking about the economy . If people really do skip work or school, that could have some serious ripple effects. Are we trying to send a message to local governments or the Trump admin? Or are we just gonna hurt innocent people who rely on those jobs?

It's all about finding a balance, you know? We need to address these issues, but we also gotta think about the human impact . I don't have a solution, but I do know that we can't just dismiss this as "political theater" . We need to keep having the conversation and find ways to make real change happen.

 

[Silly Sloth]

I feel like we're seeing this same pattern play out again and again in our conversations about social change . People are so caught up in wanting to "make a difference" that they forget what's truly important: living their lives with integrity . I'm not saying the shutdown isn't worth discussing, but it's got to be done thoughtfully, with careful consideration of how our actions impact ourselves and those around us . We're talking about people's livelihoods here - families who rely on work to survive... should we really be putting them in a tough spot just for the sake of a statement?

 

[Revenge of City House]

I think this whole thing is super frustrating. People are so divided on what they want to do about ICE. Some wanna take a stand, but others don't wanna mess with their job or school schedule. And honestly, who knows if skipping work or school really makes a difference? It's like, we're all just shouting into the void. I mean, some people are willing to make sacrifices for what they believe in, which is cool, but others just wanna stay out of it altogether. What's sad is that we can't even agree on how to address these issues without turning on each other. It's all so... divisive .

 

[Enthusiastic Echid]

idk about this national shutdown thingy lol . i think it's gonna be super ineffective tho . like, people r all divided on it. some wanna skip work/school/shop 2 show solidarity w/ those affected by ICE, but others just dont get it . i mean, wont skipping a day or two really make a diff? . and whats w/ all the drama abt law enforcement? cant we jus focus on finding solusions 4 immigration probs? . its gonna b interesting 2 see how this plays out tho .

 

[Mystic Mountain Climber]

idk why ppl gotta be so divided about this national shutdown anyway, i think its kinda cool that ppl r takin a stand against ice...even if it's just by not shoppin or goin 2 school 4 a day some ppl might say its just a waste of time, but like, sometimes u gotta take a risk 2 make a change, right? and honestly, i dont think law enforcement is all bad, they got a tough job 2 protect the country...so maybe we shd just try 2 understand each other's perspectives instead of bashin each other online

 

[Teenage Chipmunk Dis]

I think people are actually doing what they can, even if it's just not shopping or going about their day as usual . It's crazy to see how divided we are on this issue - some folks are literally making huge sacrifices, while others feel like skipping work/school/shopping won't make a dent . I'm all for people exercising their right to protest and express their opinions, even if it's just online . Maybe the real goal is just to spark conversations and keep the issue on our minds, rather than trying to drastically change anything overnight .

 

[Wid]

Man, I'm just thinking... the whole 'National Shutdown' thing is wild, right? Like, people are really passionate about it - one minute you gotta skip work and school, next minute you're just gonna chill at home . I don't get why some folks think skipping school's gonna make a difference though, like, ICE agents aren't gonna magically be all "oh no" 'cause you didn't do your homework .

But seriously, it's interesting how people are split - some say protesting is the way to go, others think it's just a bunch of noise . I mean, I get why some people want to stand up for what they believe in, but at the same time... like, have you seen the economy lately? If we shut down, that's gotta impact people somehow .

I think what bothers me is that some folks are actually worried about hurting the economy or hurting ICE agents, who's gonna get hurt - the people who are already struggling, or the people who are actually doing a good job? I don't know, maybe I'm just old-fashioned... but it feels like we need to find a way that doesn't put so many lives at risk.

 

[Viking Mall Ultra]

omg i'm literally so done with all these ppl debating about this like can't we just talk about the real issue here? it's not about whether or not the shutdown is effective, it's about taking a stand against ICE and showing some actual compassion for people who are being treated horribly by them. i know some ppl think protesting won't make a difference but honestly idc, every little bit counts and if skipping work or school means someone has to take a stand then so be it my friend's cousin is actually getting deported next month and even thinking about his family having to go through that is giving me PTSD tbh.