Minnesotans Take a Stand Against ICE with Statewide Strike Amidst Brutal Arctic Weather
In a show of solidarity, thousands of protesters across Minnesota abandoned work and school to participate in a statewide strike against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The nationwide protest, dubbed "ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom," calls for the departure of ICE from the state and an investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good.
The protests, which have drawn together faith leaders, labor unions, and civic organizations, feature impassioned chants and signs calling for justice. Despite temperatures plummeting to near below 20 degrees, protesters braved the cold to participate in a mile-long march in Minneapolis, culminating at the Target Center for an indoor rally.
Organizers are expecting nearly 700 businesses statewide to join the "economic blackout" movement, with over 200 already having closed their doors. Emilia González Avalos, a representative from UNIDOS Minnesota, the organizing group behind the event, emphasized the importance of the strike, stating that even in the face of extreme weather, people would still find a way to march and boycott.
The presence of prominent figures like Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, has lent credibility to the protests. Weingarten described ICE's tactics as "intimidation," arguing that the agency is using its actions to provoke communities into erupting in order to justify increased military force. She further stated that labor unions and community leaders are fighting for fundamental freedoms and embracing their neighbors.
Protesters have taken to the streets, chanting anti-ICE slogans and waving signs calling for justice for Renee Nicole Good. The emotional outpouring is a testament to the growing dissatisfaction with ICE's actions in Minnesota. One protester succinctly captured the sentiment, saying that ICE officers are "criminal thugs" who must be held accountable.
The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed the protests as "beyond insane," yet protesters remain resolute in their demand for change. As they continue to fight against what many see as a system of oppression, it is clear that this strike will not go unnoticed.
In a show of solidarity, thousands of protesters across Minnesota abandoned work and school to participate in a statewide strike against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The nationwide protest, dubbed "ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom," calls for the departure of ICE from the state and an investigation into the killing of Renee Nicole Good.
The protests, which have drawn together faith leaders, labor unions, and civic organizations, feature impassioned chants and signs calling for justice. Despite temperatures plummeting to near below 20 degrees, protesters braved the cold to participate in a mile-long march in Minneapolis, culminating at the Target Center for an indoor rally.
Organizers are expecting nearly 700 businesses statewide to join the "economic blackout" movement, with over 200 already having closed their doors. Emilia González Avalos, a representative from UNIDOS Minnesota, the organizing group behind the event, emphasized the importance of the strike, stating that even in the face of extreme weather, people would still find a way to march and boycott.
The presence of prominent figures like Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, has lent credibility to the protests. Weingarten described ICE's tactics as "intimidation," arguing that the agency is using its actions to provoke communities into erupting in order to justify increased military force. She further stated that labor unions and community leaders are fighting for fundamental freedoms and embracing their neighbors.
Protesters have taken to the streets, chanting anti-ICE slogans and waving signs calling for justice for Renee Nicole Good. The emotional outpouring is a testament to the growing dissatisfaction with ICE's actions in Minnesota. One protester succinctly captured the sentiment, saying that ICE officers are "criminal thugs" who must be held accountable.
The Department of Homeland Security has dismissed the protests as "beyond insane," yet protesters remain resolute in their demand for change. As they continue to fight against what many see as a system of oppression, it is clear that this strike will not go unnoticed.
Can't believe people are literally braving -20°C temps to protest... like, what's next? 
The commitment to justice is admirable, especially with all the attention being given to ICE's brutal tactics 
. It's great to see labor unions and community leaders standing together against oppression 
. This movement is going to make a real difference in Minnesota! 
. It's like when I was in high school and we'd have those epic sleep-ins on Fridays - now it's "ICE-free Fridays" or whatever 
. It's gonna be interesting to see how this all plays out...
I'm kinda split on this one, you know? On the one hand, I get why people are fed up with ICE and want to take a stand. The dude Renee Nicole Good got killed by ICE agents and that's just cold-blooded... 
But at the same time, I worry about the economic impact of all these businesses closing down. I mean, thousands of people lost their jobs or had their schedules messed up. And yeah, it's not like Minnesota is exactly a warm and sunny state right now 
But I don't see it that way. To me, this is about standing up for something bigger than ourselves – our values of justice and compassion.
. To be honest, I think it's kinda cool that people are coming together like this in the face of brutal Arctic weather 
. It shows they're serious about making their voices heard.
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. If nearly 700 businesses are joining the economic blackout movement, it's gotta make some big waves 
. What do you guys think about this whole thing? Should we be supporting ICE or not? 
. I feel Emilia González Avalos' point about the state being a "Day of Truth and Freedom" – it's about standing up for what's right, even when it's hard 
. It's not just about the brutal Arctic weather; it's about respecting people's lives and human rights 
. The fact that faith leaders, labor unions, and community orgs are coming together is a beautiful thing – solidarity in action 
. Can't wait to see how this movement unfolds 
. And with figures like Randi Weingarten on their side, it's clear they're not messing around 
. The economy blackout movement is a thing now, and I'm all for it 
i mean can you even imagine braving near -20 degrees weather for the cause 
randi weingarten is also a total boss for speaking out against ice's intimidation tactics 
i'm so here for the "economic blackout" movement and i hope all those businesses join in 
700+ businesses already closed their doors? that's like, totally a game changer 
let's keep it going and make some real change!!! 
People power is the real deal here. It's about taking a stand and using your voice to fight for what you believe in, even if it's scary or uncomfortable. The state-wide strike against ICE is a testament to that. It shows that ordinary people can make a difference when they come together for a common cause.
ICE Out! 
Economic Blackout 
Labor Unions Unite! 
! I mean, can you even imagine having to live in a state where the gov't is basically oppressing people just because of their immigration status? 
It's like, what even is that?! And Renee Nicole Good's case is still unsolved after all this time? 
. I'm so proud of these protesters for braving the cold to make their voices heard 
.
what's wild is that even with all the hate from DHS, these protesters still got love and support from major orgs like AFT