Minneapolis Faces Calls for General Strike Amid Immigration Crackdown
Amid ongoing controversy over immigration enforcement, activists in Minneapolis are organizing a nationwide general strike. This protest is scheduled for January 30 and aims to condemn recent incidents involving federal agents. The Minnesota community has been particularly vocal since the tragic shootings of two residents by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Details of the Call for a General Strike
The call for a “day of no school, no work, and no shopping” has been driven by multiple activist groups. They describe the situation as a response to what they term ICE’s “reign of terror.” The planned strike seeks to unite citizens across the country in opposition to federal immigration enforcement policies.
Recent Tragedies Highlighting the Issue
These protests were fueled by the recent killings of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, and Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old VA nurse, who were both shot by federal agents in Minneapolis. These events have sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability. Community members are pushing back against what they view as excessive use of force by immigration enforcement.
- Renee Good: Shot earlier this month.
- Alex Pretti: Killed one day after mass protests occurred.
These incidents have drawn national attention, prompting protests in various cities including Chicago and Los Angeles, where similar events have resulted in casualties at the hands of ICE agents.
Widespread Activist Support
The call for the strike has gained traction, drawing in support from a range of organizations and public figures. Local partners include the Defend Immigrant Families Campaign and the North Carolina Poor People’s Campaign. Additionally, numerous celebrities, such as Pedro Pascal and Edward Norton, have publicly endorsed the strike through social media platforms.
Successful Minnesota Walkout
On January 23, a similar strike in Minnesota saw significant participation. Despite harsh temperatures and inclement weather, tens of thousands marched. Over 700 businesses closed for the day, demonstrating solidarity with those protesting immigration enforcement practices.
- Business Impact: Over 700 businesses shut down.
- Labor Support: Numerous labor unions joined the protests.
Clergy members also participated, leading hymns and prayers at key locations, such as Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Their advocacy resulted in the arrest of approximately 100 participants.
Community and Political Response
Activists, including union leaders, are calling for an end to federal law enforcement operations in Minnesota. They insist on legal accountability for shootings and rejection of additional funding for ICE activities. The protests reflect a significant pushback against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, emphasizing community solidarity in favor of human rights.
As the January 30 strike approaches, the demand for justice and reform in immigration enforcement continues to resonate deeply within Minneapolis and across the nation. Activists aim to elevate this cause on a national platform, urging widespread participation to amplify their message of resistance.
