In a defiant act, thousands of Minnesotans walked out on their jobs, skipped school, and refused to do their shopping, all in solidarity with protesters who are fighting against the growing presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state. The protest, dubbed "ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom," was marked by icy temperatures, with many marchers braving conditions that made it feel like -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
The demonstrations, which involved faith leaders, labor unions, and other civic organizations, came together to demand that ICE leave the state and launch an investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good. More than 200 businesses statewide have shut down for the day, with organizers predicting nearly 700 will follow suit in a "economic blackout."
The movement was led by UNIDOS Minnesota, an organizing group that called on people to march, boycott, and get trained as legal observers. Emilia González Avalos, with UNIDOS Minnesota, told CNN that protesters would be willing to walk through the cold temperatures to make their point, saying "We're asking people to march... We're asking people to boycott today... We're asking people to get trained as legal observers."
The protests took place at various locations across the state, including a mile-long march in Minneapolis that was expected to start at 2 p.m. CST and end at the Target Center, where an indoor rally would continue. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside an ICE facility at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, chanting anti-ICE slogans and waving signs calling for justice for Good.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, was present at one of the protests, telling Salon that ICE's tactics have been about intimidation rather than immigration enforcement. "ICE is using more and more abusive tactics to try to provoke communities to erupt... so that the president can use more force and militarize American cities," Weingarten said.
The demonstrations were met with a mixed response from authorities, who described the protests as "beyond insane." Meanwhile, protesters referred to ICE officers as "criminal thugs" and called for an end to what they see as the Trump administration's aggressive policies towards immigrants.
As the protests continue, organizers are pushing for a more comprehensive investigation into the actions of ICE in Minnesota and the killing of Renee Nicole Good. The movement has sparked widespread attention and debate about immigration policy and police brutality, with many calling on lawmakers to take action against what they see as a government that is increasingly targeting marginalized communities.
The demonstrations, which involved faith leaders, labor unions, and other civic organizations, came together to demand that ICE leave the state and launch an investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good. More than 200 businesses statewide have shut down for the day, with organizers predicting nearly 700 will follow suit in a "economic blackout."
The movement was led by UNIDOS Minnesota, an organizing group that called on people to march, boycott, and get trained as legal observers. Emilia González Avalos, with UNIDOS Minnesota, told CNN that protesters would be willing to walk through the cold temperatures to make their point, saying "We're asking people to march... We're asking people to boycott today... We're asking people to get trained as legal observers."
The protests took place at various locations across the state, including a mile-long march in Minneapolis that was expected to start at 2 p.m. CST and end at the Target Center, where an indoor rally would continue. Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside an ICE facility at Fort Snelling in St. Paul, chanting anti-ICE slogans and waving signs calling for justice for Good.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, was present at one of the protests, telling Salon that ICE's tactics have been about intimidation rather than immigration enforcement. "ICE is using more and more abusive tactics to try to provoke communities to erupt... so that the president can use more force and militarize American cities," Weingarten said.
The demonstrations were met with a mixed response from authorities, who described the protests as "beyond insane." Meanwhile, protesters referred to ICE officers as "criminal thugs" and called for an end to what they see as the Trump administration's aggressive policies towards immigrants.
As the protests continue, organizers are pushing for a more comprehensive investigation into the actions of ICE in Minnesota and the killing of Renee Nicole Good. The movement has sparked widespread attention and debate about immigration policy and police brutality, with many calling on lawmakers to take action against what they see as a government that is increasingly targeting marginalized communities.
. I mean, braving -20 degrees Fahrenheit for the cause? That's dedication 
. But let's not get it twisted, this is just another example of how far the government will go to keep their agenda going 
.
. It's all about optics at this point, getting attention for their own egos rather than actually making a real difference 
. And don't even get me started on the businesses shutting down – how long will it take them to realize they're just being punk'd by the protesters? 
. Meanwhile, we're just supposed to sit back and let ICE continue their reign of terror without any accountability? No thanks 
. This whole thing reeks of desperation and opportunism.
. Like, I get it, the situation is messed up, but some people are literally walking out on their lives for this cause 
. It's not just about protesting, it's about taking a stand against something that's affecting your community, you know? And I love how the labor unions and faith leaders are coming together to make a difference - it's all about solidarity, fam! 
It's not just some random abuse of power, it's a systematic thing. And the fact that Randi Weingarten said as much makes me so proud to be part of this community 
.
Like, I'd rather be drinking hot cocoa with marshmallows than protesting in the cold! But seriously, that takes a lot of guts. We need more people like them, you feel me? 
And ice is being super bad and all, but like whats the point of all this economic blackout stuff? isnt it gonna hurt a lot of people who work at those businesses? 
I feel bad for emilia gonzalez avalos and her team, they must be so cold walking around with no gloves 
. And i heard randi weingarten say somethin about ice being all aggressive... but like whats the solution? 
this is like totally amazing to see ppl stand up 4 whats right even if it means walkin out of their jobs or facin -20 temps. its all about demandin change & havin each other's backs, u feel me? 
200+ businesses shutting down? That's gonna hurt a lot of small business owners and their families. And what's with all the chanting and signs? Can't they just have a calm conversation about the issues? 
. It'll be interesting to see if 700+ businesses actually shut down 
.
30 states have joined in and its getting crazy 
with over 200 shops already down and nearly 700 more predicted to follow suit 
did u know that immigrants make up 13.4% of minnesota's population 
but ice has been operating in the state since 2006 which is crazy 
. If 700 businesses shut down for the day, that's gotta hurt some people.
.
.
I love her passion and determination - she's giving me major Leslie Knope vibes from Parks and Rec 
.
It's time to take a stand and fight for what's right!
I'm all for standing up for what you believe in, but is this really the best way to do it?
. Thousands of people walking out in solidarity with protesters against ICE operations? It's not just about protesting, it's about people's lives being affected by these policies. I mean, Renee Nicole Good was killed by ICE officers in Minnesota and no one has been held accountable yet. It's a travesty.
. It shows how much people care about the issue and are willing to take a stand. The economic blackout could have serious consequences for the state, but I think it's worth it if it brings about change.
This protest in Minnesotta is getting crazy cold 
, but for real though these protesters are so brave for standing up for what they believe in, especially when it comes to ICE and immigration policies 
i feel bad for the people who lost their jobs that day tho 
but at the same time i get why they had to do it, its like they're not just fighting for themselves but for the entire community 
meanwhile, i wonder if they'll get any results from this economic blackout... 200+ businesses down already and only 700 more to go lol what's next?