In brief
Minnesota is set to witness its largest protest against immigration enforcement, led by over 100 labor unions, progressive groups, and religious organizations. Participants plan to observe a day of absence from work and school, coupled with a march in Minneapolis, despite extreme cold weather. This mobilization comes in response to heightened ICE activity following a deadly incident earlier this year and aims to challenge policies perceived as harsh toward immigrant communities.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A coalition of labor unions, progressive organizations, and clergy in Minnesota is mobilizing residents to stay away from work, school, and businesses on Friday as part of a protest against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in the state.
Kate Havelin of Indivisible Twin Cities remarked, We really, really want ICE to leave Minnesota, and they’re not going to leave unless there’s considerable pressure. The protests are intensifying in light of a recent incident where a U.S. ICE officer fatally shot Renee Good.
Since that incident, Minneapolis and St. Paul have seen escalating protests against ICE operations, with activists tracking the movements of federal officers. On Thursday, arrests were made during a protest for disrupting a church service, reflecting the growing tensions surrounding these issues.
Friday’s protest is planned as the largest coordinated action to date, featuring a march in downtown Minneapolis despite dangerously cold temperatures forecasted by the National Weather Service.
Many local businesses, particularly ethnic ones, are expected to close in solidarity or donate portions of their profits to the cause. The impact of recent ICE enforcement has led to significant drops in sales as communities fear detentions.
Schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul are also expected to close, with officials citing safety concerns due to the cold weather.
Faith leaders from various religious backgrounds are set to participate in the march, seeking to amplify messages against ICE's presence in Minnesota, which they describe as excessive. Bishop Dwayne Royster from the Faith in Action organization stated, We want ICE out of Minnesota and out of cities across the country where they’re overreaching. A large representation of clergy is also arriving from different states to support the protest.
The movement reflects a growing frustration within the community regarding immigration policies and enforcement, raising the profile of these issues in local and national dialogues.
