Nationwide Anti-ICE Protests Erupt Across the Country

Nationwide anti-ICE protests erupted in response to the tragic deaths of two individuals at the hands of federal agents. Demonstrators across the United States coordinated efforts for a “National Shutdown,” voicing their opposition to the Trump administration’s immigration policies.

Overview of the Protests

National protests took place in major cities, including Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, and Washington, DC. The events aimed to highlight growing tensions in communities affected by federal immigration enforcement.

Call for a General Strike

The protests were designed as a 24-hour general strike. Organizers urged students to skip school and business owners to close their establishments. Participants were also encouraged to abstain from shopping to support the movement.

• Many local businesses voluntarily closed to participate in the strike.
• Some chose to remain open but expressed solidarity with their employees.
• Touchstone Climbing, a popular climbing gym chain, continued paying hourly workers despite closing its 20 locations.

National Support for the Protests

Medium, an online publishing platform, allowed its employees the freedom to take the day off to engage in the protests. The collective action demonstrated a strong response to federal policies perceived as harmful to communities.

Fatal Incidents Spark Backlash

The protests were intensified following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. These incidents involved federal agents, raising significant concerns over their enforcement tactics.

• Renee Good and Alex Pretti were both US residents.
• The Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights investigation into Pretti’s death.

Community Response

In Minnesota, an economic blackout occurred, with hundreds of businesses temporarily closing to honor the victims and protest the federal actions. The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, endorsed the general strike, reflecting widespread discontent among workers.

Photos captured poignant moments during the protests, as demonstrators held signs reading “ICE Out.” The unified effort across various cities underscores a significant movement against perceived injustices related to immigration enforcement.