Several student organizations at the University of Minnesota are orchestrating what they describe as a “national shutdown” to protest federal immigration enforcement, attracting support from far-left groups nationwide.
The university’s Black Student Union shared information on Instagram, urging students to visit a site named nationalshutdown.us to back the initiative. Participants plan to boycott work and school on Friday, and they have pledged not to shop either.
“Bringing justice for Alex Preti, Renee Goode, and the many others who have lost their lives to ICE requires a nationwide extension of this shutdown,” the post stated, calling for “No work, no school, no shopping. Vote no to the Ice Fund.”
The indicated site redirects to another domain, nationalshutdown.org, which became active earlier this week, though details about its owner are not publicly available.
The Black Student Union leads the list of supporters, along with the Somali Student Association, the Ethiopian Student Association, and the Liberian Student Association. The University of Minnesota Graduate Union has also thrown its weight behind the initiative.
The push for the “national shutdown” stems from the fatal shootings of anti-ICE activists Renee Goode and Alex Preti.
Goode was shot earlier this month by ICE agents while following them in her vehicle. In the incident, she reportedly drove toward an officer, prompting the officer to fire.
Preti had previously obstructed law enforcement and had a confrontation with Border Patrol agents prior to his death last Saturday. He was armed at that time.
The Somali Students Association has been particularly vocal, promoting the event on social media. One post invited people to join a gathering at Government Plaza in Minneapolis, emphasizing the urgency: “Ditch the ice from Minnesota! Justice for Renee Nicole! Justice for Alex Preti!”
An email from shutdown organizers called for the abolition of ICE.
In the communication, they asserted, “Only the power of the people can compel President Trump to withdraw. Politicians seem more focused on minimizing ICE funding while making marginal reforms. But today, people will flood the streets nationwide to demand an end to these terror tactics.”
Various organizations from across the U.S. have vowed to participate. Groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Black Lives Matter Detroit, and others have publicly backed the effort. Notably, the Palestine Youth Movement and Answer Coalition have also shown support.
The national Rapid Response Group 50501 and the Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL) are collaborating on social media to promote the event, with PSL declaring their commitment and calling on all conscientious individuals to join the movement.
In another announcement, PSL Twin Cities claimed that students are at the forefront of actions against what they see as the oppressive presence of ICE and related agencies. They suggested that fear tactics have only strengthened the resolve of the movement, noting that numerous schools plan walkouts in response to the call for a day without “business as usual” on January 30.
The University of Minnesota has not issued a response regarding the situation.
