In a significant show of solidarity and resistance, hundreds of businesses across Minnesota closed their doors on Friday as part of a general strike against the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. Thousands of workers participated in the strike, and many residents opted to refrain from shopping, dining out, or attending school. This mass mobilization follows heightened tensions after the January 7 shooting of a U.S. citizen by an immigration officer, which has left many in the community outraged over federal enforcement tactics.
Alison Kirwin, owner of the Minneapolis restaurant Al’s Breakfast, remarked on the importance of standing up for community values, stating, “There’s a time to stand up for things, and this is it. If it takes away from a day of our income, that is worthwhile.” The backdrop of this protest is a rising sense of anger against the unprecedented presence of federal law enforcement in the Twin Cities, where tactics have included the use of tear gas and aggressive raids.
As part of the protest, dubbed “The Day of Truth and Freedom,” demonstrators gathered for a rally in downtown Minneapolis, enduring frigid temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees. The movement was initiated by local faith leaders, with support from various labor unions and community organizations, urging citizens to unite against unjust practices.
Over 620 local businesses opted to close their operations in solidarity with the strike, leading to reports of sections of Minneapolis resembling a ghost town. Bishop Dwayne Royster of Faith in Action described the atmosphere as tense yet filled with resilience, noting the community’s determination to come together in response to the crisis.
Despite the significant participation from local businesses, national giants, including the state’s Fortune 500 companies, have largely remained silent on the issue. Comments from Vice President JD Vance, who visited Minnesota to address the situation, were met with criticism from state officials like Governor Tim Walz, who emphasized the need for a reduction in aggressive enforcement tactics and urged for cooperation between state and federal authorities.
Compounding the public outcry are ongoing investigations into the effectiveness of recent immigration actions. Reports indicate that many arrests made under Operation Metro Surge have not exclusively targeted the most serious offenders, challenging the administration’s narrative about the focus of such operations.
This collective action reflects a growing movement within Minnesota, with hopes that light will be shed on the negative consequences of stringent immigration enforcement while fostering a dialogue for more humane and just treatment.