Key Highlights
- Roughly one in four Minnesota voters participated in a January 23 shutdown against ICE.
- The action was endorsed by major unions and faith organizations, with estimates of 50,000 to 100,000 protesters.
- Protesters included clergy arrested at the airport and workers staying home from their jobs.
- Support for the protest was high among various demographic groups, especially liberal voters and non-college graduates.
A Mass Protest Against ICE in Minnesota
The January 23 day of action against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota was a significant moment in American political history. Roughly one in four voters either participated or had a loved one who did, according to new polling data.
Organizations Unite for a Common Cause
The protest was organized by the May Day Strong coalition, a network of local and national unions and community organizations, in collaboration with major labor federations like the Minnesota AFL-CIO. These groups united under the banner of “Day of Truth and Freedom,” aiming to pressure federal officials to remove ICE from their state.
Significant Participation and Support
Support for the protest was notably high across various demographic groups. Sixty percent of Minnesota voters had heard about the day of action, with 83% aware of it. Among those who did participate or had a loved one do so, 45% generally supported the call to stay off work, school, and shopping as a form of protest. This support was especially strong among Black voters (67%) and college-educated voters (53%).
Protesters Show Up in Force Despite Harsh Weather
The day saw an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 protesters march through downtown Minneapolis, despite subzero temperatures. The protest included clergy who were arrested at the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport and workers staying home from their jobs. This shows a significant level of commitment among community members.
Demographic Breakdown
The poll also revealed that 18% of respondents who did not go to college either participated or had a loved one participate in the day, compared to 29% of college graduates. Of those participants, 39% declined to work on that day due to their own actions or because their employer closed.
Organizers’ Response
JaNaé Bates Imari, a representative from the church Camphor Memorial UMC, said at a press conference: “People were willing to take a real hit to their paycheck to demonstrate their resolve and the necessity of getting ICE out of our state.” This sentiment echoed throughout the community, with many expressing concern over the ongoing impacts of ICE on local residents.
Heartbreak Following the Protest
The January 23 action was followed by heartbreak for organizers. On the day after the protest, federal agents killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. This event highlighted the dangerous reality faced by those opposing ICE’s policies and underscored the urgent need for continued activism.
In conclusion, the January 23 shutdown against ICE in Minnesota was a powerful demonstration of community solidarity and political will. As we continue to witness ongoing protests and calls for action, it is clear that the fight against ICE is far from over.
