Businesses in Minnesota close as immigration tensions rise

Minneapolis organized “ICE Out” day yesterday, a large-scale walkout that called for no work, no shopping, and no school, to show solidarity with immigrant communities and oppose federal enforcement activities.

Organizers demand that ICE leave Minnesota and want Congress to intervene.

Earlier this month, an immigration officer fatally shot Renee Good, and in a separate incident, a five-year-old was detained by immigration officials.

Tensions have risen across Minnesota as immigration enforcement operations intensify, especially around Minneapolis and St. Paul, where community outrage has grown.

Labor groups reported strong participation, with some employers choosing to shut down for the day. Others remained open but supported workers who wanted to join the protest. Many businesses expressed their support by hanging signs in their windows. More than 700 businesses shut for the day.

Thousands of residents were expected to be absent from work.

Federal officials defended the enforcement actions, saying they target fraud and threats to public safety, while state leaders and activists accused authorities of escalating fear and violating civil rights.

Minnesota is home to Target, UnitedHealth, 3M, and 14 other Fortune 500 companies.