As the US experiences a National Shutdown Day general strike, Detroit-area small businesses have joined forces with protesters in Minnesota to voice their opposition against the Trump administration's deadly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown. On Friday, thousands of businesses across the city shut down in solidarity with the protests, while others chose to remain open but expressed their support for the cause.
The movement is a response to the recent deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by ICE agents in Minnesota, as well as the ongoing ICE crackdown in the state. The protesters demand an end to what they call "racist terrorism" and are calling on Americans to stand up together against ICE's policies.
Many businesses used social media platforms to announce their decision to close or remain open but show support for the cause. Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, City Bird, the Grand Porter, 27th Letter Books, Reware Vintage, and Witch House Tattoo were among those that shut down on Friday. On the other hand, some businesses like Folk, Moondog Cafe, and Trinsophes chose to remain open but pledged to donate a portion of their sales to Detroit mutual aid organizations.
The decision by small businesses to join forces with protesters has sent a clear message: they will not tolerate ICE's anti-immigration policies. As one business put it, "FUCK ICE." The shutdown is a powerful show of solidarity and defiance against what many see as a racist and oppressive government policy.
For the protesting communities, the National Shutdown Day general strike represents a moment to take action and demand change. By shutting down businesses and calling on Americans to stand up together, protesters are demanding that their voices be heard and that the Trump administration's policies be challenged.
The movement is a response to the recent deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by ICE agents in Minnesota, as well as the ongoing ICE crackdown in the state. The protesters demand an end to what they call "racist terrorism" and are calling on Americans to stand up together against ICE's policies.
Many businesses used social media platforms to announce their decision to close or remain open but show support for the cause. Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, City Bird, the Grand Porter, 27th Letter Books, Reware Vintage, and Witch House Tattoo were among those that shut down on Friday. On the other hand, some businesses like Folk, Moondog Cafe, and Trinsophes chose to remain open but pledged to donate a portion of their sales to Detroit mutual aid organizations.
The decision by small businesses to join forces with protesters has sent a clear message: they will not tolerate ICE's anti-immigration policies. As one business put it, "FUCK ICE." The shutdown is a powerful show of solidarity and defiance against what many see as a racist and oppressive government policy.
For the protesting communities, the National Shutdown Day general strike represents a moment to take action and demand change. By shutting down businesses and calling on Americans to stand up together, protesters are demanding that their voices be heard and that the Trump administration's policies be challenged.
the fact that small businesses in detroit & minnesota are standing up for justice & protesting against ICE's crackdown is everything 
it shows that even the most unlikely people can come together to fight for a common cause. and i love how they're using social media to spread the word & make their voices heard 
these protests are giving me all the feels - solidarity, defiance, & a clear message that no one is above the law 
this is crazy I mean small businesses just shutting down to protest against ICE it's like they're saying we won't let you come for us no matter what 
I feel bad for Renee Good and Alex Pretti their deaths are so senseless and it makes me wanna do something even though I don't know what 
but the fact that people are standing up together against ICE's policies is kinda inspiring 
These businesses aren't just closing up shop, they're sending a message that their community won't be silenced. The fact that some are choosing to donate to mutual aid organizations is amazing - it shows us all what it means to stand together for a common cause.
I'm all about supporting local businesses and community efforts, but ICE's crackdown is straight-up unacceptable 
. The fact that people have lost their lives due to these agents' actions is just heartbreaking 
. I think it's amazing how the Detroit small businesses are stepping up and showing solidarity with the protesters in Minnesota 
. It's not just about closing down shops for a day, but making a statement about what's not okay 
.
. Those protesting communities need our support, and it's great to see people using their voices (and wallets) to make a difference 
. And yeah, "FUCK ICE" is pretty much the most relatable slogan ever 
. This National Shutdown Day general strike is exactly what we need – a wake-up call for everyone to take action and demand change 
and now it seems like everyone in detroit is speaking out against it too!! it's so cool to see all these small businesses joining forces with protesters, it's like they're saying 'no way jose' to ice's racist terror 
. what's crazy is how this movement started after those two people got killed by ice agents in mn... it's like they're not just fighting for themselves, but for all the ppl who've been affected by ice's policies 
they're right to shut down and demand change from racist terrorism 