Hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are temporarily shuttering their doors as part of a widespread economic protest dubbed “The Day of Truth and Freedom,” fueled by ongoing demonstrations against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).The coordinated walkout, which began Friday, involves small businesses, unions, faith groups, and educators, reflecting a growing wave of discontent with ICE’s actions in the city.
A City Stands still in Protest
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A large-scale economic protest is underway in minneapolis, with businesses closing to demand an end to ICE operations.
- The protest aims to disrupt commerce to pressure ICE.
- Organizers are calling for a suspension of consumer spending.
- Solidarity marches are taking place in cities across the United States.
- Target Corporation is a key focus due to its Minneapolis headquarters and significant local employment.
“It is indeed time to suspend the normal order of business to demand immediate cessation of ICE actions in MN,” the organizing coalition stated on its website. Demonstrations are also planned in cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Seattle, signaling a national swell of support for the movement.
Targeted Disruption
In Minneapolis, protesters are planning a march beginning at 2 p.m. local time (20:00 GMT), culminating at the Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. The retailer has become a central target of the protest due to its prominent presence in the city-it’s headquartered in Minneapolis and is the state’s fourth-largest employer.
Organizers are urging Target to uphold Fourth Amendment protections, preventing federal agents from entering properties without a valid warrant signed by a judge. A document circulated among organizers highlighted two specific incidents involving Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). On January 8, CBP agents allegedly forcibly detained two U.S. citizens while they were working at a store in Richfield, minnesota, a Minneapolis suburb. Three days later, CBP Chief Greg Bovino reportedly entered a store in nearby St. Paul with other agents.
“Where Target leads, others follow. Our state is under occupation from federal agents, and they are attacking Minnesotans quite literally inside of Target stores. We need Target to stand with Minnesotans against thes attacks,” the document asserted.
Target has remained largely silent regarding the protests, though the company reportedly sent a memo to staff, warning of potential disruptions, according to Bloomberg News. This pressure from anti-ICE protesters follows earlier calls for boycotts after the company scaled back its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, a move the company later linked to a downturn in sales in early 2025.
Despite the tensions, Target’s stock was up 1.3 percent in midday trading.
Political Fallout
“The Trump Administration’s immigration enforcement operations have resulted in countless risky criminal illegals being removed from the streets – including rapists, murderers, burglars, drunk drivers, and more. Making American communities safer will create an surroundings in which all businesses can thrive in the long term and their customers can feel safe.Joe Biden and Democrat leaders should’ve never let countless dangerous criminal illegals enter our country to begin with. And now the Trump Administration is cleaning up the Democrats’ mess,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated.
When asked whether ICE would commit to holding accountable agents who violate the law,the White House declined to comment further.
The protests stem from allegations of misconduct by ICE, including claims of First and Fourth Amendment violations and threats against protesters. The fatal shooting of Renee Good, and the Department of Justice’s decision not to investigate the agent involved, Jonathan Ross, have further fueled outrage. A key demand of the economic blackout is holding Ross legally accountable.
“I understand why people are choosing to participate in the January 23 blackout, and I support those decisions. at the same time, our small businesses, especially immigrant-owned businesses, are under a lot of pressure right now, and they could really use our support. Though you choose to show up, I hope we keep our neighbours and local businesses in mind,” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement.
Representatives for Governor Tim Walz did not respond to requests for comment.
