A nationwide economic shutdown is taking place on Friday, January 30, with participants urging Americans to halt work, school, and shopping in protest of the Trump administration’s sweeping immigration enforcement policies.
The movement has intensified following fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minneapolis involving immigration and Border Patrol agents.
At least 58 locations across California are participating in the national shutdown protest, according to the National Shutdown website.
National Shutdown Across US
The National Shutdown is organized as a coordinated nationwide protest against ICE actions. The main slogan of the protest, as stated on the group’s website, is “No Work. No School. No Shopping. Stop Funding ICE.”
Participants are being asked to refrain from work, school, and shopping as a way to halt economic activity and apply pressure on the federal government. The goal of the shutdown is to stop federal funding for ICE and end current immigration enforcement practices, which organizers describe as “ICE’s reign of terror.”
The protest began in Minnesota earlier this month, when hundreds of businesses took part in a statewide strike under the slogan “ICE Out of Everywhere,” according to the Los Angeles Times.
In California, protests are planned at locations, including Westlake Village, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento.
Businesses across the state have chosen to close voluntarily as an act of solidarity with communities affected by immigration enforcement.
Santa Barbara Business to Participate in National Shutdown
In Santa Barbara County, several small businesses have announced closures in support of the shutdown.
Carp Moon Cafe in Carpinteria said it would close for the day despite the financial strain. In an Instagram post, the owner said fear within immigrant communities has affected both residents and local businesses, adding that the decision to close was a responsibility to speak out.
In Santa Barbara, grassroots organization SB Resiste has scheduled a protest at Ledbetter Beach from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As part of the nationwide economic blackout, SB Resiste called on participants to cancel subscriptions to companies such as Amazon and its home-security subsidiary Ring. According to organizers, concerns have been raised that data from private surveillance technology could be accessed by law enforcement, including ICE authorities, even when shared initially with local agencies.
Business in San Luis Obispo County to Participate
Several businesses in San Luis Obispo County announced closures for Friday in support of the National Shutdown. Jewelry store Len Collective said it chose to remain close as a way to encourage individual participation and collective responsibility rather than relying on others to lead.
The SLO Gift Shop said the decision to close for a day was difficult due to financial obligations, but added that remaining open felt incompatible with current national conditions. Shindig also announced that will close for business on Friday, saying it was pausing normal operations in solidarity with both immigrant and non-immigrant community members.
Traffic Records said it would close for the day despite the potential financial impact, noting that staff would still be paid. Kismet Fitness said it would remain open but hold classes with a portion of proceeds donated to a local immigrant support fund.
Elsewhere in California
Elsewhere in California, several small businesses announced closures or modified operations in support of the nationwide economic blackout on Friday, January 30.
Mundial Coffee in Orange County said it would close for the day in solidarity with affected communities. Canyon Coffee and Sibylline Records also said they would shut down operations despite the financial impact of closing on a busy business day.
San & Wolves Bakeshop, also in Orange County, said it would continue operating but donate a portion of its Friday sales to assist an immigrant family with legal expenses. Business owners described their actions as expressions of community support during a period of heightened concern over immigration enforcement.
Many participating businesses said that closing, even for one day, could affect their ability to meet monthly expenses. Owners described the decision as difficult but necessary.
Fatal Shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, was killed by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on January 24. The Department of Homeland Security said Pretti approached officers with a firearm. Video footage that later emerged reportedly shows him holding what appears to be a mobile phone. His family has disputed the federal account and said he had no criminal record.
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by an ICE agent on January 7, 2026. Federal officials said she attempted to strike officers with her vehicle, a claim that has been questioned by viewers of witness footage. President Donald Trump later referred to Good as a “professional agitator,” prompting additional public backlash.