A nationwide “blackout” – or general strike – is planned for Friday, with activists calling for “no work, no school, no shopping” to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Growing Concerns Over ICE Tactics
The planned strike is a response to what organizers describe as aggressive enforcement tactics by ICE, which have drawn increased scrutiny following a series of fatal shootings. Those killed by ICE agents include Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Keith Porter in Los Angeles, and Silverio Villegas González in Illinois.
Kidus Yeshidagna, president of the Ethiopian Students Union at the University of Minnesota, explained the goal: “We are calling for this strike because we believe what we have been doing in Minnesota should go national. We need more people and lawmakers across the country to wake up.”
Demands and Tactics
Protest leaders are calling for ICE to leave Minneapolis after a nearly month-long operation. They believe economic pressure, achieved through work stoppages and consumer boycotts, is a key tactic to demand accountability and reform. The call for a boycott of Target has grown after ICE detained two Target employees in Richfield, Minnesota.
Protests are already underway in cities including Philadelphia, New York, Boise, and Columbus, with gatherings at city halls, courthouses, and legislative buildings. Students are staging walkouts in Florida, California, and other states. In Milwaukee and Buffalo, Wyoming, people are gathering in parks and on street corners.
Support for the strike has expanded throughout the week, with families of those killed by ICE agents expressing their support. Hundreds of organizations, including unions and the group 50501, have also pledged their backing. Gloriann Sahay, a national coordinator with 50501, stated, “We want to obstruct the pillars that are upholding the Trump administration.” Celebrities including Ariana Grande, Macklemore, and Pedro Pascal have also voiced their support.
Political Context
Friday’s protests are occurring as a partial government shutdown looms. Senate Democrats – and some Republicans – have indicated they will oppose any spending bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE. Democrats are advocating for reforms, including a ban on agents wearing masks and a requirement for ICE to obtain warrants before making arrests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of Friday’s planned shutdown?
The primary goal is to protest the Trump administration’s immigration policies and the actions of ICE, specifically its aggressive enforcement tactics.
Who is organizing the nationwide strike?
The strike is being organized by a coalition of groups, including student organizations at the University of Minnesota – representing Black, Somali, Liberian, Ethiopian and Eritrean students, and the graduate labor union – as well as national organizations like 50501.
What specific actions are protesters taking?
Protesters are advocating for “no work, no school, no shopping,” staging walkouts, gathering at government buildings, and calling for a boycott of Target.
As the planned strike unfolds, will the coordinated effort translate into significant disruption, and how will lawmakers respond to the mounting pressure for immigration reform?
