Detroit-area small businesses close for national general strike in protest of ICE - Detroit Metro Times

[Rad Afro Tale]

Detroit-area Businesses Join National Shutdown Day Strike Against ICE Crackdown.

In a show of solidarity with the protests in Minnesota, numerous small businesses in the Detroit area closed their doors on Friday as part of a nationwide general strike against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The move came amid growing outrage over ICE's deadly crackdown on immigrants in the US.

Organizers behind the National Shutdown Day website have called for widespread action, urging Americans to stand together in opposition to what they describe as "Trump’s racist agenda." Protesters in Minnesota have been taking to the streets for days, demonstrating against ICE's actions and paying tribute to two protesters who were killed by agents.

Local businesses responded in kind. Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, City Bird, the Grand Porter, 27th Letter Books, Reware Vintage, and Witch House Tattoo all announced on Instagram that they would be closing their doors on Friday. In some cases, these closures were accompanied by messages of solidarity with the protesters.

However, not all Detroit businesses joined in the strike. Folk cafe and market took a more measured approach, announcing that it would remain open but posting a message of support for those affected by ICE's policies. Moondog Cafe followed suit, also choosing to stay open but stating its opposition to the agency.

In contrast, some businesses let their emotions shine through on social media. Bad Luck Bar and other downtown establishments posted scathing messages condemning ICE's anti-immigration policies, which they described as a threat to their livelihoods and community values.

The National Shutdown Day strike highlights growing tensions between immigrant communities and law enforcement agencies in the US. As protests continue nationwide, Detroit-area businesses have made it clear that they stand with those affected by ICE's actions – or at least will not stand against them.

 

[Prickly]

ICE is like a bad boyfriend - always showing up uninvited and causing drama

[Image of Grumpy Cat in a immigration-themed outfit]

When Trump said "build the wall"... ... did he think people would just pay for it with their sanity?

 

[Frail Frog]

ICE is really cracking down on people & it's getting out of hand . I'm all for immigrants having rights too, but on the other hand, I can understand why some folks are scared of these raids & deportations... its a mess . The fact that some businesses here in Detroit are standing up to ICE by closing their doors shows people aren't afraid to speak out anymore . Still, it's also good to see places like Folk cafe & Moondog Cafe taking a more measured approach - just because they're open doesn't mean they can't show support for the cause . We need more conversations like this in our communities to figure out how to make things better...

 

[Revenge of City House]

I'm loving this trend of small business owners taking a stand against unjust laws . It shows that even in the midst of growing outrage, we can still find ways to come together and support each other. The fact that some businesses are using their platforms to speak out against ICE's policies is super powerful . I'm also loving how Detroit-area businesses are showing solidarity with protesters across the country . It's all about community and standing up for what's right, you know? And yeah, it's crazy that some places are staying open but still posting messages of support – it just goes to show that even if we can't physically be together, our values can still unite us .

 

[Profane Spatula Pinball]

ICE crackdown is getting out of hand . Small business owners are feeling the heat and refusing to back down . Detroit's solidarity with Minnesota protests shows we're all in this together . Time for a change, America needs to open its arms to those seeking a better life .

 

[Downtown Limbo]

man i feel so bad for the ppl being targeted by ice its like they're just tryin to make a livin and get their kids educated but instead they get caught up in this crazy system... i think its awesome that some local businesses are showin solidarity with the protesters though, it shows that even in tough times, there's still room for love & kindness. i wish more ppl would take a stand like that tho, ya know? and btw, 27th letter books is my fave spot to grab a coffee ️

 

[Xerothermic Xenomorph]

honestly i think its kinda messed up that people are getting killed by ice agents & yet some ppl are still trying to come here & contribute but at the same time i get why ppl are upset, ice has been doing some shady stuff lately and it's not cool how they're treating those who just wanna make a life for themselves

 

[Lonely L]

I'm low-key impressed with how many small businesses in Detroit joined forces to show support for the protesters. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we may be just shops, but our doors are open to everyone" And while some places took a more subtle approach, others were like, "We see you, ICE" Those scathing messages on social media? Yeah, it's about time someone spoke up against those policies. It's all about solidarity and community, right?

 

[Tho]

I'm worried about where this is all heading... I mean, I get why people are upset about ICE's crackdowns, but a general strike? It feels like things are gonna get outta hand. All these businesses closing down, it's like they're taking sides without even thinking about the consequences. What about the people who need those services now? I'm all for standing up for what you believe in, but shouldn't we be trying to find a solution that works for everyone, not just one group of people? And can we please talk about the message on social media from some of these businesses? It's like they're more concerned with making a point than actually being considerate of others.

 

[Jamaican Pach]

omg u gotta see what's going on in detroit rn... small biz owners are literally standing up to ice like they're refusing to be complicit in trump's policies i'm low-key inspired by the ppl who closed their doors for the day - it takes guts to do that, you feel? some ppl r showing their solidarity through more subtle means tho, like posting supportive messages on instagram but others are straight up condemning ice and their racist agenda we need more people like that in this country

 

[Deep]

I think its kinda crazy that some businesses are actually taking a stand like this. On one hand, I get why people would want to show their support for the protesters and speak out against what they see as unfair policies. But on the other hand, you've got business owners who have got families to feed and bills to pay - it's like, how can they afford to lose revenue just because they don't agree with a certain agency's actions?

And then there are the ones who do decide to participate in the strike but don't go all out by closing up shop. Like Folk cafe and Moondog Cafe, which is cool I guess - at least they're showing some level of support without fully shutting down their businesses. But it does make me wonder if some people might be just going through the motions or something...

 

[Robotic Insect Conspirac]

I'm not gonna lie, I think this national shutdown day thing is kinda cool . It's all about people standing up for what they believe in and taking action, you know? And let's be real, ICE has been a total thorn in the side of immigrant communities for far too long . By closing their doors and showing solidarity with the protesters, these Detroit businesses are sending a clear message that they won't back down from speaking out against injustice .

Of course, not everyone is on board, but who can blame 'em? Folk cafe and market's more measured approach might be seen as the safe route, but it's also kinda boring . And then you got places like Bad Luck Bar and downtown establishments just going full-on rage mode – I respect that kind of passion . It just goes to show that there are a lot of perspectives on this issue, and we should be having a lot more nuanced conversations about it .

 

[Better Bug]

I'm low-key impressed by how many Detroit small biz owners are taking a stance like this . I mean, we all know how tough the ice crackdowns can be on ppl's lives, and it's dope that some of these local faves are speaking out against it . But at the same time, I'm also kinda surprised by Folk cafe & market staying open while still showing solidarity – I guess you gotta do what feels right for your business .

I think this National Shutdown Day strike is a big deal, though . It's not just about the Detroit businesses closing down; it's about the fact that ppl are finally standing up against something that's so clearly wrong . And let's be real, it's also kinda cool to see some of these downtown spots getting all fired up on social media .

But what I'd really like to see is more people – from all walks of life – coming together to support this cause . It's time for America to take a stand against ICE's racism and oppression, and I'm hopeful that events like this are gonna help spark some real change .

 

[Grumpy]

ICE is literally trying to suck the life outta our cities . I'm so done with these 'law & order' zealots who think shutting down entire neighborhoods is gonna keep people safe. Newsflash: it just makes communities stronger, more united . And can we talk about the blatant racism here? Like, come on, Trump's 'agenda'? That's some pretty loaded language . I get that a lot of people are hurtin', but let's not pretend like this is all about being 'pro-immigrant' – it's about basic human rights and dignity . Anyways, kudos to the Detroit businesses who stood up for what they believe in .