The Guardian • 1/23/2026 – 1/24/2026

Labor unions and progressive groups in Minnesota have initiated a call for an economic blackout, urging residents to refrain from work, school, and shopping in response to increased federal immigration enforcement activities. This movement follows the tragic shooting of Renee Good, prompting community members in Minneapolis to confront the heightened presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Activists have organized to protect their neighborhoods from perceived threats and intimidation, while also supporting local immigrant populations. This protest highlights a significant moment in the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and enforcement practices. The call for a coordinated economic shutdown reflects a broader trend of grassroots activism aimed at resisting federal authority and advocating for immigrant rights. Historically, similar movements have emerged during periods of heightened enforcement, revealing deep-seated tensions between local communities and federal agencies. The situation in Minnesota serves as a microcosm of the larger struggle faced by immigrant communities across the United States, where issues of safety, identity, and civil rights intersect. As federal immigration policies continue to evolve, the resonance of this protest may influence future discussions about community safety and the role of law enforcement in immigrant neighborhoods.
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