Over 300 Businesses Join ‘ICE Out of Minnesota’ Protest

On January 23, 2026, Minnesota witnessed a significant economic disruption as over 300 businesses participated in the ‘ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom’ protest. This collective effort aimed to halt daily commerce across the state in response to increased enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The coalition of entrepreneurs, labor unions, and faith leaders joined forces to demand the withdrawal of federal immigration agents following a surge in community trauma and enforcement operations.

The protest was marked by a notable absence of activity in the Twin Cities, with many establishments, including restaurants, grocery co-ops, and yoga studios, closing their doors for the day. According to Bring Me the News, more than 375 businesses expressed their support for the movement, adopting the slogan ‘no work, no school, no shopping’ to emphasize the economic influence of the immigrant community and their allies.

Community Response and Economic Impact

Signs of solidarity appeared throughout the city. One prominent message displayed at Wrecktangle Pizza read, ‘Everyone is welcome here, except I.C.E.’ Owner Jeff Rogers confirmed that the pizzeria would close in support of the protest and expressed his discontent with the current situation: ‘It’s tearing our restaurant community apart… It’s horrific and not something we condone.’

In contrast, Vanessa Beardsley, owner of Catzen Coffee, opted to keep her shop open, offering free coffee to anyone who visited. She highlighted the importance of community unity, stating, ‘This is an opportunity for all of us – and when I say us, I mean our neighborhood, our city, and our state – to stand together and show not only ourselves but everyone who’s watching how much power the people really have.’

The decision to close during one of the busiest nights of the week was not taken lightly by many business owners. They recognized the financial implications but firmly believed in the effectiveness of their economic protest.

Background and Catalyst for the Protest

The movement gained momentum following the tragic shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7. Witness accounts suggest that Good was attempting to drive away when she was shot, inciting nationwide outrage and leading to vigils in her memory. In the wake of this incident, tensions escalated as federal agents intensified their presence in the region, leading to numerous arrests of individuals participating in the protests.

Kieran Knutson, president of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7250 in Minneapolis, described the situation as unprecedented, stating, ‘There is an outrageous attack being waged against the people of Minnesota. I have never seen anything like it in my life.’

Public figures have also weighed in on the protests. Influential podcaster Joe Rogan compared the ICE raids in Minnesota to the Gestapo, expressing disapproval of the federal agents’ actions. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey expressed surprise at the federal government’s aggressive approach, stating, ‘We will not be intimidated by the federal government’s actions.’

The protests have become a focal point for those opposing ICE’s aggressive tactics, with many considering it a fight for the rights and dignity of immigrant communities. The ongoing unrest underscores the deep divisions within the community and the urgent call for reform in immigration policy.

The ‘ICE Out of Minnesota’ protest has not only disrupted local commerce but has also sparked a broader conversation about the role of federal immigration enforcement in communities across the United States. As the movement continues, its impact on both local businesses and federal policy remains to be seen.