Advocates are calling Friday a “Day of Truth & Freedom” as they protest federal law enforcement in the Twin Cities.
MINNEAPOLIS — Thousands of people braved the bitter cold and marched in downtown Minneapolis against a recent surge in federal enforcement in the Twin Cities.
The march comes a little over two weeks after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, a moment that intensified protests that had already been happening since the surge in agents began in December.
The protest and general strike are described by organizers as a “statewide day of non-violent moral action, reflection: no work, no school, no shopping — only community, conscience, and collective action.”
“Minnesotans are coming together in moral reflection and action to stand together against the actions of the federal government against the state of Minnesota,” the ICEoutnowmn.com website states. “The ICE “surge” that cost the life of Renee Nicole Good is violating the Constitutional and human rights of Americans and our neighbors. It is time to suspend the normal order of business to demand immediate cessation of ICE actions in MN, accountability for federal agents who have caused loss of life and abuse to Minnesota residents and call for Congress to immediately intervene.”
Hundreds of businesses in Minnesota chose to close on Friday in support of the strike and people are encouraged not to shop, go to work, or go to school.
“Now more than ever, we have to make it very obvious that as Minnesotans we’re not going to stand for this,” said Jose Alvillar Hinojosa, with Unidos MN, at a press conference earlier this week. “One of the leverages of power we have is not just people power, it’s money.”
The Minnesota AFL-CIO executive board calls Friday’s march and economic blackout a day to “stand together against ICE’s occupation.”
“On Friday, union members will join with our fellow Minnesotans to reject fear and speak with one voice as we call for ICE to leave our state, no additional funding for ICE, legal accountability for ICE’s killing of Renee Good, and for Minnesota’s large corporations to stop cooperating with ICE.”
People began marching at 2 p.m. at The Commons near U.S. Bank Stadium to the Target Center, where a program is taking place.