Thousands Protest, Businesses Close in Minneapolis as ‘ICE Out of Minnesota’ General Strike Unfolds
Thousands of protesters surged through downtown Minneapolis on Friday as part of “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth & Freedom”, a statewide general strike and protest against federal immigration enforcement that has shuttered businesses and schools across Minnesota. According to CBS Minnesota and Reuters, the action is the most visible demonstration yet against a controversial ICE surge that has roiled the Twin Cities.
Friday’s mobilization has thrust tension between local communities and federal authorities into the spotlight, with organizers calling for ICE to leave the state and accountability for what they describe as abusive enforcement tactics. Protesters braved sub-zero temperatures and widespread closures to make a show of force.
Confirmed reports indicate that hundreds of businesses, schools and nonprofits closed for the day in solidarity, with workers skipping jobs and shoppers staying home as part of the economic boycott.
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A major flashpoint occurred at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where about 100 clergy members were arrested after kneeling and praying on a roadway during an anti-ICE demonstration, according to Reuters and Washington Post coverage.
“Today Minnesotans are showing that community power can move beyond the streets and affect real economic impact,” said a protest organizer at the rally, highlighting the scale of participation.
The strike was planned amid growing outrage over Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement campaign that intensified after the fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renée Good by an ICE agent earlier this month — an incident that has sparked national scrutiny and debate.
State and local officials continue to respond, with law enforcement managing demonstrations and community leaders signaling plans for further action. What happens next will likely shape the evolving dispute over federal immigration policy in Minnesota.
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