Minnesota is preparing for significant anti-immigration enforcement protests scheduled for this Friday, as a broad coalition of labor unions, progressive organisations, and clergy members urges residents to avoid work, school, and shopping in a statewide demonstration. The mobilisation aims to pressure US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to cease operations in the state, following recent tensions and a fatal shooting incident.
Coalition Calls for Statewide Action
More than 100 groups, including Indivisible Twin Cities, are coordinating the protest, which they describe as the largest such action to date. Kate Havelin of Indivisible Twin Cities emphasised the goal, stating, "We really, really want I.C.E. to leave Minnesota, and they're not going to leave Minnesota unless there's a ton of pressure on them. They shouldn't be roaming any streets in our country just the way they are now." The protests have been ongoing daily in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul since Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer during an operation on 7 January.
National Union Support and Civil Rights Alignment
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing nearly 2 million service and healthcare workers across the United States, is leading calls for nationwide participation. David Huerta, president of SEIU-United Service Workers West and SEIU California, highlighted the unity of struggles, referencing Martin Luther King's words to Cesar Chavez. "Right now, more than any time ever, we see our civil rights, workers' rights, and immigrants' rights in alignment with one another," Huerta said. He added that the violence in Minneapolis underscores the need for solidarity, "regardless of our differences."
Challenging Weather Conditions
Despite forecasted dangerously cold temperatures, with the National Weather Service predicting lows of -20 to -30°C, a march is planned in downtown Minneapolis. This demonstrates the determination of protesters to make their voices heard, even in harsh winter conditions that could pose health risks.
Other Political Developments
In related news, several other political stories have emerged:
- Donald Trump withdrew an invitation for Canada to join his "board of peace" initiative, citing it as the "most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled."
- Greenland has demanded respect for its sovereignty after Trump claimed a NATO agreement would grant the US permanent access to the Arctic island, with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen calling for a "peaceful dialogue."
- Sources report that Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge secretly assured US and Qatari officials they would welcome the departure of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro before a recent military action.
- The White House posted a digitally altered image of Nekima Levy Armstrong, arrested in a Minnesota protest, making her appear to cry dramatically and with darker skin, according to a Guardian analysis.
- Former special counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to seek criminal charges against Donald Trump for election interference, stating, "No one should be above the law in this country."
- The Trump administration will block organisations receiving US foreign aid from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, affecting about $30 billion in assistance.
