On Friday, Jan. 30, a coalition of businesses, labor groups and advocacy organizations in Austin will join a nationwide day of action calling for a shutdown of schools, workplaces and retail outlets to protest the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Organizers say the day of no work, no school and no shopping is intended to send a clear message: “Stop funding ICE.”
The nationwide action is already drawing significant participation: More than 250 events in 46 states and more than 1,000 organizations have signed on, including Austin-based groups like Austin for Palestine Coalition, Austin Young Active Labor Leaders and PODER Austin.
Local businesses in Austin joining the protest include Show and Tell, Potluck Vintage, Bike a Lot, Prototype, Revival, Muse Coffee Truck, Golden Mean, Retrofit, Charm School, Uncommon Objects, Blue Velvet and Uptown Modern.
“It’s abundantly clear that anyone who is participating is opposed to the way that ICE is impacting our communities all over the nation” said Katie McClure, owner of Show and Tell and Potluck Vintage, “I was a bilingual teacher for many years, so any action I can take to push back against current discriminatory narratives that immigrants are bad for the nation is one that I will take.”
Flitch Coffee also plans to close Friday in solidarity with nationwide protests against ICE. In an Instagram post, the coffee shop acknowledged that closing again after losing business during last weekend’s icy weather was a difficult decision but emphasized that the move was intended to contribute to a collective message opposing what organizers describe as the ongoing violence and enforcement actions by ICE in local communities.
Local organizers in Austin have a rally planned on Friday at the Texas State Capitol at 5:30 p.m., where participants are expected to carry banners, flags and signs expressing opposition to the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Earlier in the day, a walkout at ACC Highland is set for 12:30 p.m., bringing together students and community members with the broader movement. That evening, a separate demonstration organized by Watermelon ICE Watch is planned outside the Hyatt Regency Austin at 6:30 p.m., following local concern — including unverified reports on social media — that ICE agents were staying at the downtown hotel, a claim city officials have disputed.
Organizers are also promoting a “Stop ICE Rally” on Saturday, January 31 at 3 p.m., expected to feature elected officials, clergy and community leaders. The advertised lineup includes State Rep. James Talarico, U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro and Greg Casar, and State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, among others.
The series of actions in Austin comes amid a broader wave of protests and calls for a nationwide “shutdown” of work, school and commerce tied to opposition to ICE operations.