MNA Organizes Economic Blackout Against ICE
The Minnesota Nursing Association (MNA) has urged its members to join an “economic blackout” as a way to protest against the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the state.
In a statement, the MNA, which represents nurses and various health care workers, highlighted the concerns of “those who are immigrants or have loved ones affected by ICE actions.” The organization is particularly worried about “mixed-status families” who find themselves navigating the health care system.
“ICE should be investigated for humanitarian and constitutional violations affecting Americans and those in our communities,” reads part of the statement.
It’s worth noting, though, that the MNA clarified it is not advocating for a strike or work stoppage. An economic blackout, as defined by them, involves participants refraining from purchasing goods to apply economic pressure for political change.
This call to action comes on the heels of increased federal troop presence in Minneapolis and St. Paul, which the Trump administration ordered in December, with claims that there was evidence of welfare fraud within the Somali community.
Critics on the left argue that the focus on alleged misconduct by specific groups is racially motivated. Meanwhile, the MNA has laid out demands for the anti-ICE protests, which include asking ICE to pull out of Minnesota immediately and holding accountable the officer responsible for the death of activist Renee Good. They also argue against any additional federal funding in future Congressional budgets.
As MNA President Chris Rubesch put it, “We can’t ignore the fear that’s preventing people from accessing care and pulling families apart. Being involved on this day is about standing in solidarity with our patients, colleagues, and communities.”
In a separate context, President Donald Trump criticized the Somali community on social media during Thanksgiving, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of refugees from Somalia are taking over the once-great state of Minnesota.” He claimed that while “Somali gangs roam the streets in search of ‘prey,’ our wonderful people are holed up in their apartments and homes, hoping to be left alone.”
