MINNEAPOLIS — Despite a forecast of subzero temperatures, many residents and business owners in Minneapolis are gearing up for an “ICE Out” day of protest scheduled for Friday. The movement, centered around the call for “no work, no school, and no shopping,” aims to draw attention to the enforcement activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the area. Numerous businesses have announced their intention to close as a form of civil disobedience against these actions.
Retired resident Larry Weiss emphasized the significance of the protest, stating, “This is a bigger thing than the weather… They are trying to break us and we are not going to be broken.” Posters encouraging area residents to join the protest are now visible in various businesses, particularly near the University of Minnesota. Local establishments like Wrecktangle Pizza have declared their solidarity by posting signs denying ICE access to their premises without a judicial warrant.
The protest comes in the aftermath of a tragic incident where U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer. This event has invigorated the community’s resolve, prompting many to stand in defiance against what they perceive to be oppressive tactics employed by federal agents.
In a show of unity, Jeff Rogers, co-owner of Wrecktangle, announced the restaurant would be closed for the protest, underscoring the toll ICE’s presence is taking on the local restaurant industry. “It’s tearing our restaurant community apart… what we’ve witnessed is horrific,” he expressed.
Reports indicate that fears among immigrant workers are pervasive. A manager at Beckett’s sports bar shared concerns for his staff, revealing that a head cook has not worked for a month due to anxiety surrounding enforcement actions. Likewise, a businessman in the area shared his commitment to closing his business for the protest, stating, “I’m fearful” for his immigrant co-workers.
The Department of Homeland Security responded to the planned protest, characterizing the demonstrators as opposing law enforcement actions that target serious offenders. In a recent press conference, ICE officials highlighted more than 3,000 arrests since last month, including multiple individuals deemed dangerous.
Vocal opposition has been rising, particularly in neighborhoods where ICE activities have incited fear within immigrant communities. In the wake of Good’s tragic death, residents have been actively monitoring ICE and Border Patrol agents, rallying together in support of affected families.
Community volunteer networks have sprung up across Minneapolis, mirroring emergency response efforts seen during natural disasters. Businesses like Wrecktangle have initiated donation drives, offering free meals to immigrant families for each pizza purchased. Rogers reported that the initiative raised $200,000 for local nonprofits focused on supporting vulnerable families.
Pastor Sergio Amezcua of Dios Habla Hoy church is leading an extensive relief operation that has mobilized 4,000 volunteers, delivering boxes of food to families in need. He described this humanitarian effort as a community response to the fears instilled by federal enforcement, stating, “This is a humanitarian crisis in Minnesota.”
Expressions of solidarity extend to artistic endeavors, with singing groups performing at memorial sites for Good, aiming to bring beauty and hope to a grieving community. As tensions remain high, individuals are finding ways to support those who feel unsafe to publicly demonstrate, often highlighting the disparity in experiences faced by different community members.
The resilience and unity among Minneapolis residents reflect a powerful response to recent challenges, showcasing a determination to foster a supportive environment for all, particularly for the city’s immigrant population.