Massive Protests in Minnesota as Businesses Shut Down Against ICE Operations

Wed Feb 04 2026 08:47:19 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant show of solidarity, hundreds of Minnesota businesses closed as thousands of residents took to the streets to protest increased ICE enforcement following a controversial crackdown on immigration.

On January 24, 2026, Minnesota saw a large-scale protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as hundreds of businesses shuttered to join thousands of demonstrators amid severe winter temperatures. Organizers encouraged residents to skip work and refrain from shopping in a manifestation of discontent over ICE raids that have reportedly targeted both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens. Protesters, including clergy members, were arrested at the Minneapolis airport while demanding that airlines stop transporting detainees. This comes in the wake of heightened tensions following the shooting of a local woman, escalating resistance against ICE's presence in the state.

Hundreds of businesses in Minnesota closed on Friday as thousands of protesters turned out in severely cold weather to demonstrate against the ongoing immigration crackdown in the state.

The widespread rallies were organized as residents were encouraged to skip work or school and refrain from shopping in a show of opposition to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This operation, which has been ordered by the Trump administration and has been ongoing for more than six weeks, aims to deport individuals deemed criminals residing illegally in the country. Critics argue that this has led to the detention of migrants without criminal records as well as U.S. citizens.

Approximately 100 clergy members were arrested at the Minneapolis airport during a protest urging airlines to refuse transportation for ICE detainees. A spokesman for the airports commission stated these arrests were made after the protestors exceeded the agreed terms of their permitted activity.

The protests, termed Operation Metro Surge, have seen a surge in federal officers in the region. Tensions escalated following the shooting death of a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman, Renee Good, which brought widespread outrage and condemnation from local officials.

“We want ICE out of Minnesota, and we want ICE out of every state, with their extreme overreach,” said Bishop Dwayne Royster of Faith in Action, who is supporting the protests. “We want Congress to stand up and provide oversight to ICE.”

This was one of the largest displays of opposition against current immigration policies in Minnesota, with protesters marching downtown in temperatures as low as -23°C. Protesters expressed their frustrations while heading to an anti-ICE rally at the Minnesota Timberwolves NBA arena.

Local businesses, ranging from restaurants to retail shops, participated in the shutdown, with owners like Corey Lamb from Harriet Grove Botanicals articulating concerns over ICE’s impact on local communities. Lamb mentioned that the fear of detainment among immigrants adversely affects businesses that rely on these communities.

While some had hesitations about closing their businesses due to financial implications, others felt it was a necessary step to show solidarity. Kim Bartmann, an owner of several restaurants in Minneapolis, noted that sales have dropped significantly due to the chilling presence of ICE, with many staff feeling unsafe to report to work.

The community’s discontent with ICE has only intensified, especially after reports of detained minors and harsh enforcement tactics emerged, leading to outcries from families and advocates.

In a recent speech, Vice President JD Vance urged local law enforcement to strengthen ties with federal agencies for immigration enforcement, which adds pressure on Minnesota’s sanctuary policies aimed at limiting ICE’s reach.

The situation continues to unfold as the community reflects on the impact of ICE's operations, with the tension highlighting a critical debate on immigration and public safety in the region.