Several businesses in Omaha are set to close on Friday in support of a national strike against recent ICE activities in Minneapolis, which have been linked to the tragic shootings of two individuals. This initiative, aimed at promoting awareness and solidarity, encourages a day of no work, no school, and no shopping on January 30.
Among those participating is Amelia Rosser, owner of Sheelytown Market Plant Nursery in Little Italy. Rosser acknowledges that closing her business means a financial loss, but she believes the cause is far more significant. “We are standing in solidarity in hopefully a national general strike to impress upon the violence that we are seeing done by ICE onto our own communities,” she stated.
Rosser emphasizes the need for collective voices to reach ICE officials and lawmakers in hopes of reevaluating enforcement policies. Although her store will not conduct sales, it will remain open to provide a space for community members to engage in conversations and educate themselves about the strike and its implications.
This movement coincides with a recent national day of action, where more than 10,000 people marched through downtown Minneapolis, demonstrating widespread concern over ICE’s actions. The Omaha strike reflects a growing sentiment for solidarity within communities nationwide, illustrating the impact of local businesses choosing to participate in broader social movements.