Federal Agent Shootings in Minneapolis Trigger Nationwide Strikes and Business Closures Against ICE
A coordinated wave of civil disobedience swept across the United States on Friday and Saturday, thousands of citizens participated in strikes to protest federal immigration enforcement. The demonstrations follow the recent deaths of two Americans during federal operations in Minneapolis, organizers are demanding an immediate overhaul of agency powers.
Escalating Violence During Operation Metro Surge Sparks Public Outcry
Tensions reached a breaking point this month following the launch of "Operation Metro Surge," this federal initiative deployed roughly 3,000 agents to the Minneapolis area. The heavy enforcement presence resulted in fatal consequences, agents shot Renee Nicole Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24. These deaths galvanized the "ICE Out" movement, this coalition argues that current policing tactics pose a lethal threat to public safety. Sentiment against these operations has hardened quickly, polling data from January 2026 indicates that nearly two-thirds of the population believes federal agencies have overstepped their authority.
Organizers Mobilize Thousands for Historic National Day of Action
Student groups and community leaders launched a "National Day of Action" on January 30 and 31, the mobilization operated under the strict slogan "No work, no school, no shopping." The economic boycott saw significant adherence in key cities, over 700 businesses in Minneapolis alone closed their doors to show solidarity. Demonstrations extended far beyond the Midwest, major protests occurred in Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C.
Participants demanded the complete removal of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel from local communities, they also called for deep cuts to agency funding. Tensions flared in several locations as counter-protesters confronted demonstrators, police utilized chemical irritants and flashbangs to control crowds in volatile areas. High-profile arrests drew further attention to the unrest, reports confirmed that broadcast journalist Don Lemon was detained during the chaos in Los Angeles.
Local Economies and Political Landscapes Face Immediate Repercussions
The shift toward economic non-cooperation has created tangible disruptions for local commerce and municipal services. Small business owners are accepting short-term financial losses to amplify their message, campaigns like "Don't Serve ICE" are pressuring vendors to cut ties with the Department of Homeland Security. This grassroots pressure is reshaping political calculations, lawmakers now face threats of primary challenges if they support continued funding for aggressive enforcement tactics.
Movement leaders urge supporters to maintain pressure through ongoing boycotts of corporate partners. Future actions will target hotels housing federal agents, the coalition aims to force a legislative showdown over the upcoming federal budget.
