Twin Cities Businesses Plan Economic Blackout in Protest
Numerous restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the Twin Cities are joining forces for an “economic blackout” strike on Friday. This move is a response to President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, as highlighted on their social media platforms.
Many establishments are closing their doors, featuring posters that promote what organizers are calling a “statewide shutdown.” The message is clear: “no work, no school, no shopping.” A demonstration against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to take place in downtown Minneapolis at 2 p.m. on the same day.
The “ICE Out” initiative was introduced on January 13 by the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee, which describes itself as a grassroots, multiracial movement advocating for immigrant rights.
Fox News Digital has attempted to reach ICE for comments, but the agency has previously stated that its enforcement actions focus on individuals illegally in the country who might pose risks to public safety or national security.
Restaurants like Hola Arepa and Hai Hai announced their closure on Instagram, declaring their support for the strike aimed at ending ICE operations in the city and advocating for justice for individuals like Renee Good.
Wild Flyer Coffee will also be shutting down two locations, stating their aim to allow staff to engage meaningfully and expressing solidarity with the movement. They are, perhaps, seeking $2,500 to make up for lost wages during the strike.
St. Paul’s Cafe and Lost Fox, among others, issued statements on Instagram voicing their support for the ICE OUT effort in Minnesota. Interestingly, they encouraged others to join the upcoming march.
Martina, an Italian restaurant, announced its participation based on discussions with team members, emphasizing the importance of closing on Friday, January 23rd. Another coffee shop, Metta Coffee, similarly declared they would shut down to stand against political corruption and aggression. Their post stressed solidarity with the immigrant community, advocating for an end to what they describe as an “invasion” by ICE.
As more restaurants announce their participation in the closure, certain businesses are placing signs indicating that federal immigration officials are not welcome within their premises. For example, a gas station in Minneapolis displayed a warning against federal agents entering or conducting operations on-site.
Rancho Loco Grill & Bar covered their door with a sign stating, “ICE is not welcome here,” while other locations echoed similar sentiments. In fact, some establishments have made it clear that even if an officer presents a valid warrant, it doesn’t constitute permission for entry without a judicial warrant.
Robert Pattillo, a civil rights attorney from Georgia, remarked that business owners can legally refuse entry to ICE without proper judicial documentation. He emphasized the distinction between not assisting ICE and actively obstructing their efforts.
In a related note, clergy members are planning to announce that hundreds of places of worship in Minnesota will also participate in the Friday closure, attributing the surge in ICE actions to the current political climate.
