A coalition of far-left activist groups in Minnesota is organizing a significant protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) scheduled for January 23, 2026. The event, titled "ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom," is intended to disrupt daily life by enabling a statewide shutdown of work, school, and shopping. This movement is supported by various socialist, communist, and labor organizations and aims to respond to recent incidents involving ICE.
Coalition of Groups
• The protest is led by a coalition including the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), major labor unions, and explicitly communist organizations, including the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) and others linked to a funding network connected to Neville Singham, a known Marxist activist.
• The coalition announced a "no work, no school, no shopping" initiative for the protest day.
Background of the Protest
• The coordinated action follows the shooting of anti-ICE activist Renee Good by an ICE agent, further escalating tensions around immigration enforcement in the state.
• The primary demands of the protesters include the removal of ICE from Minnesota, legal accountability for the officer involved in Good’s death, and an end to federal funding for ICE.
• Minneapolis Public Schools have declared a closure for that day to facilitate the shutdown.
Organizing Efforts
• The planning page for the shutdown is known as "ICE Out Now," which further details the goals and sponsors of the protest.
• Activist groups have been rallying community support, highlighting participation from local businesses and homeowner associations, especially among the Somali and Asian communities, to bolster attendance.
Major Supporters
• The protest has garnered backing from several labor unions, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the United Auto Workers (UAW), which are co-hosting the event.
• There is also support from various leftist groups, including Indivisible, Black Lives Matter, and the Green Party of Minnesota, contributing to a broader coalition aimed at opposing ICE and Trump administration policies.
National Perspective
• The shutdown is part of broader national movements, with similar protests planned in other states, potentially coordinated through groups like the ANSWER Coalition and 50501 movement, aiming for a collective nationwide action against ICE policies.
Recent Incidents and Tensions
• The protest follows recent arrests of anti-ICE activists, indicating heightened confrontations with law enforcement.
• The continued presence of ICE is cited as a source of fear and instability within immigrant communities, which participants argue impacts all Minnesota residents.
The planned shutdown in Minnesota represents a significant mobilization against ICE, powered by a coalition of leftist groups and labor unions. The event seeks to draw attention to immigration enforcement issues, especially in light of recent incidents, and highlight community opposition to ICE's presence in the state. With local, grassroots support anticipated, the impact of this protest on economic and social activities in Minnesota will likely be closely watched.
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