Largest U.S. Union Demands ICE Exit Minnesota Amid Protests, Shutdown Actions
America’s largest labor federation, the AFL-CIO, has publicly called on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave Minnesota amid rising protest tensions and recent deaths tied to federal enforcement actions. According to a Business Insider report, the organization urged ICE’s withdrawal “before anyone else is hurt or killed.”
That demand has put labor at the center of a broader conflict over immigration policy and public safety in Minneapolis and across Minnesota. Pro-ICE critics argue federal agents are protecting border security and public safety, while protesters and unions say the continued presence of ICE is escalating tensions and endangering residents.
The AFL-CIO statement followed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Alex Pretti by federal agents, an incident that has rapidly intensified local criticism of Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement initiative in the state. Tens of thousands of residents joined protests this month, with hundreds of businesses closing in solidarity during a coordinated “economic blackout” and general strike against ICE’s operations.
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Local labor leadership has repeatedly said the protests are about safety and accountability rather than hostility toward law enforcement.
“The AFL-CIO mourns every life lost and urges actions that protect all workers and families,” an official AFL-CIO release stated.
Union backing adds another layer of pressure on federal authorities as Minnesota leaders push for transparency on recent enforcement deaths and community impacts.
Federal agencies have not agreed to withdraw, and statewide legal and political debates are ongoing. Organizers plan further demonstrations this week to maintain momentum around their demands.
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