Minnesota Economic Blackout Seeks to Halt ICE Operations Amidst Freezing Conditions
A powerful coalition of community leaders, faith organisations, and labour unions in Minnesota has initiated a significant economic blackout protest against the heightened activities of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) within the state. Dubbed the 'Day of Truth & Freedom', this coordinated action demands a complete cessation of work, school attendance, and shopping activities across Minnesota, aiming to draw national attention to immigration enforcement practices.
Core Demands and Community Solidarity
The protest organisers have outlined several critical demands, including the immediate withdrawal of ICE from Minnesota, legal accountability for the officer involved in the fatal shooting of unarmed woman Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month, a halt to additional federal funding for the agency, and a comprehensive investigation into alleged human rights and constitutional violations. This movement has garnered substantial support, with dozens of local businesses announcing closures in solidarity, and the Minneapolis City Council formally endorsing both the day of action and a general strike.
Braving Extreme Cold for a Cause
Despite facing perilously cold weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting to -10°F and wind chills reaching -20°F, protesters remain undeterred. Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President of the Minnesota Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, emphasised the community's resilience, stating, 'We are a northern state, and we are built for the cold, and we are going to show up.' The day's events are set to culminate in a major march through downtown Minneapolis at 2pm local time, symbolising a collective stand against perceived governmental inaction.
Labour Movement's Unified Stance
The protest has received robust backing from the labour sector, with the Minnesota AFL-CIO, representing over 1,000 affiliated local unions, formally endorsing the action. Kieran Knutson, President of Communications Workers of America Local 7250 in Minneapolis, explained the motivation behind the protest, noting, 'The government in the state of Minnesota has not offered any path towards stopping these attacks, this violence.' This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with the lack of official response to community concerns.
Grassroots Support and Personal Sacrifices
At the grassroots level, individuals are making personal sacrifices to participate. A childcare worker in Minneapolis, who requested anonymity to protect the immigrant families they serve, shared that after consulting with the families of the children in their care, they received overwhelming support to shut down operations for the day. 'We serve families that are on childcare assistance, families that pay out of pocket. So they were all in agreement,' the worker explained, highlighting the widespread community backing for the protest.
Federal Response and Escalating Tensions
The protest occurs against a backdrop of escalating federal activity in Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has reported making approximately 3,000 arrests in the state over the past six weeks, while the Trump administration has dispatched 3,000 immigration officers to the region. In a contentious response, a DHS spokesperson criticised the protest, questioning, 'Why would these labor bosses not want these public safety threats out of their communities?' and alleging protection of criminals, citing photos of undocumented immigrants with criminal records arrested by ICE.
Additionally, the US Army has placed 1,500 soldiers on standby for potential deployment to Minnesota, further intensifying the situation. This economic blackout represents a significant, community-driven effort to challenge federal immigration policies and demand accountability, setting a precedent that organisers hope will inspire similar actions nationwide.
