Hundreds of businesses across Minnesota participated in an “ICE Out” general strike on Friday, highlighting growing frustration with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The initiative called for no work, school, or shopping, aimed at drawing attention to the impact of ICE’s activities on immigrant communities in the state.
Friday’s events began with ICE leaders and Border Patrol Commander Greg Bovino addressing the public at the Whipple Federal Building, where they discussed recent arrests made during “Operation Metro Surge” and confirmed that the Minnesota Department of Corrections honors ICE detainers. Their statements came in the wake of heightened scrutiny regarding the agency’s methods and an outcry over specific incidents, such as the recent arrest of a 5-year-old boy after his father was detained.
Protests erupted at various locations, including Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where clergy led a demonstration against ICE operations. Participants expressed solidarity with affected communities, but a significant police response ensued, culminating in at least 100 arrests when the protest exceeded the limits of a pre-approved permit. The airport authorities maintained that measures taken were necessary to ensure safety and security.
In addition to airport protests, educators and healthcare professionals voiced their dissent. Approximately 60 educators held a sit-in at Minneapolis City Hall, while medical personnel at Hennepin County Medical Center described ICE’s presence as creating a public health crisis, asserting that fear of deportation disrupts access to necessary medical care for immigrant patients.
As the demonstrations intensify, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison moved to legally challenge the federal government’s approach, filing a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security in a bid to halt Operation Metro Surge. This legal action asserts that such operations infringe upon constitutional rights.
The protests are not just confined to public spaces. In a notable incident, the Apple Valley School District intervened to eject ICE agents from school grounds, emphasizing their commitment to student safety amid the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement.
The rallying cry of “ICE Out of MN: A Day of Truth and Freedom” reflects a broader movement among Minnesotans and has garnered solidarity across various sectors in the state, encouraging civic engagement and dialogue surrounding immigration policies. As the community rallies together against federal enforcement tactics, the call for justice and accountability grows louder, emphasizing the need for compassion and safety in addressing immigration reform.