Wisconsin Residents Rally in Day of Action Against ICE

On January 30, 2026, Wisconsin residents participated in a national Day of Action against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This movement, particularly in solidarity with Minnesota, called for actions like “no school, no work, no shopping.” Participants were encouraged to refrain from regular activities and support local businesses that supported the protest.

Community Support and Local Business Involvement

Several local businesses in Wisconsin expressed solidarity by closing for the day or donating portions of their profits. Notable establishments included:

• Monona Bakery and Eatery: Closed for the day to support the protest.
• Strange Town: A restaurant in Milwaukee contributing profits to immigrant rights organizations.
• Ruby’s Bagels: Closed early to allow staff to join the protests.
• Wonderstate Coffee: Owner TJ Semanchin emphasized the need for accountability from ICE and kept employee wages unaffected despite the closure.

Student Activism at UW-Madison

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, students organized a walkout and march starting at 2 p.m. The walkout began at Library Mall, culminating at the state Capitol. Participants expressed their concerns about ICE’s actions, which they felt were targeting their communities. Key voices included:

• Luca Stewart-Mariuci: A student who expressed feelings of being attacked due to ICE’s presence in nearby Minnesota.
• Dominic Centner: Another student whose friends felt too threatened to attend the protest, fearing targeting by ICE.

Significance of the Protests

These protests were part of a broader wave of discontent following increased ICE activity in Minnesota. The timing was critical, given recent incidents that included the killings of Minnesota residents by federal agents, which intensified calls for action across the region.

Conclusion

The events in Wisconsin showcased community solidarity and active participation against federal immigration policies perceived as harmful. With local businesses, students, and community members coming together, the Day of Action emphasized the urgency of dialogue and reform regarding immigration practices in the United States.