Hundreds of Minnesota Businesses Close to Protest ICE Presence
Hundreds of businesses across Minnesota closed their doors on Friday, joining thousands of protesters in a powerful economic demonstration against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in the state. This coordinated effort highlighted growing dissent amid ongoing immigration enforcement actions, initiated over six weeks ago by the Trump administration.
Overview of the Protests
– Economic Protest: Organizers encouraged residents to skip work or school and refrain from shopping, showing solidarity against ICE’s operations.
– Nature of ICE Actions: The administration has framed these operations as public safety efforts aimed at deporting individuals with criminal records. Critics argue that many migrants without criminal histories and U.S. citizens are also being detained.
Arrests and Public Responses
– Clergy Arrests: Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested at the Minneapolis airport while protesting against airlines transporting detainees arrested by ICE. The airport commission stated that the arrests were made to ensure public safety after the demonstration exceeded agreed-upon terms.
– Operation Metro Surge: Thousands of federal officers were deployed to Minnesota as part of this initiative. Tensions heightened following the tragic death of 37-year-old Renee Good in early January, sparking widespread condemnation from local officials.
Voices of the Protesters
– Bishop Dwayne Royster, representing Faith in Action, shared the collective desire: We want ICE out of Minnesota, and we want ICE out of every state, with their extreme overreach. We want Congress to stand up and provide oversight to ICE.
An Unusually Cold Day of Protest
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in downtown Minneapolis, marking one of the largest displays of opposition to ICE operations to date. Despite frigid temperatures of -10°F (-23°C), protesters marched towards the home court of the Minnesota Timberwolves, chanting and playing music.
Business Impact
– Local Business Closures: Various businesses, including restaurants, tattoo parlors, and toy stores, closed in solidarity with the protests.
– Corey Lamb, owner of Harriet Grove Botanicals, expressed his discontent: We have a lot of friends that we rely on… When those individuals are struggling because they’re afraid of being detained, it has an effect not only morally but economically.
– Kim Bartmann, owner of several Minneapolis restaurants, shared similar sentiments: Economically, it is a severe blow to my business. She noted that sales had already dropped more than 30% in recent weeks, as fears of ICE impact both customers and staff.
Rising Fear in the Community
Residents have voiced their outrage over ICE’s presence and actions in Minnesota. Recently, school officials from Columbia Heights reported the detention of four students, aged five to 17, and a two-year-old child apprehended while in a vehicle driven by her undocumented father.
Political Reactions
Amidst the protests, Vice-President JD Vance urged local Minnesota law enforcement to collaborate with federal officers for immigration enforcement. Minnesota’s sanctuary policies limit local government cooperation with ICE, drawing criticism from the Trump administration as a potential threat to public safety.
Conclusion
The protests against ICE in Minnesota signify a critical moment in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and civil rights. As tensions escalate and more residents voice their concerns, the community grapples with the complex implications of ICE’s actions. This wave of protest highlights the intersection of immigration issues with economic stability, underscoring the urgency for comprehensive reform.