Hundreds of businesses in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have closed their doors as part of a large-scale economic protest called "The Day of Truth and Freedom," which seeks to pressure the federal agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the city. The walkout includes small businesses, unions, faith groups, and educators across the city.
Organizers are demanding that ICE immediately cease its actions in Minneapolis and urging a suspension of consumer spending. This is part of a nationwide wave of protests, with solidarity marches taking place in cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and others.
The protest specifically targets Target, which has been criticized for its close ties to Minneapolis, where its headquarters are located, and the company's role as the state's fourth-largest employer. Organizers are calling on Target stores to exercise protections under the Fourth Amendment, which would prevent federal agents from entering a residence or place of business without a warrant.
The group points to two incidents involving Customs and Border Patrol as evidence for their demands. These incidents include the aggressive force used against US citizens at a store in Richfield, Minnesota, and another incident where the Chief of Customs and Border Patrol entered a Target store with other agents.
Target has remained quiet on the issue, with the company sending a memo to staff warning of potential disruptions. The pressure from anti-ICE protesters comes as part of a wave of pushback against the retail giant by progressives in recent months.
President Joe Biden's administration is under fire for its immigration policies, which have been criticized for their impact on communities. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the administration's stance, saying that "making American communities safer will create an environment in which all businesses can thrive."
The protests also come amidst controversy surrounding the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a case that has drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates. The Department of Justice's decision not to investigate the agent behind the shooting has sparked outrage among protesters.
As Minneapolis faces pressure from the economic blackout, Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged the impact on small businesses and immigrant-owned enterprises. "I hope we keep our neighbours and local businesses in mind" during the protests, he said.
Organizers are demanding that ICE immediately cease its actions in Minneapolis and urging a suspension of consumer spending. This is part of a nationwide wave of protests, with solidarity marches taking place in cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Seattle, and others.
The protest specifically targets Target, which has been criticized for its close ties to Minneapolis, where its headquarters are located, and the company's role as the state's fourth-largest employer. Organizers are calling on Target stores to exercise protections under the Fourth Amendment, which would prevent federal agents from entering a residence or place of business without a warrant.
The group points to two incidents involving Customs and Border Patrol as evidence for their demands. These incidents include the aggressive force used against US citizens at a store in Richfield, Minnesota, and another incident where the Chief of Customs and Border Patrol entered a Target store with other agents.
Target has remained quiet on the issue, with the company sending a memo to staff warning of potential disruptions. The pressure from anti-ICE protesters comes as part of a wave of pushback against the retail giant by progressives in recent months.
President Joe Biden's administration is under fire for its immigration policies, which have been criticized for their impact on communities. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the administration's stance, saying that "making American communities safer will create an environment in which all businesses can thrive."
The protests also come amidst controversy surrounding the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a case that has drawn scrutiny from civil liberties advocates. The Department of Justice's decision not to investigate the agent behind the shooting has sparked outrage among protesters.
As Minneapolis faces pressure from the economic blackout, Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged the impact on small businesses and immigrant-owned enterprises. "I hope we keep our neighbours and local businesses in mind" during the protests, he said.
... remember back in 2022 when Target faced backlash for its partnership with a private prison company? It seems like no matter what changes are made, corporations like Target always seem to find ways to tie themselves back into controversy. And now, the protesters are calling on them to use their power for good instead of just lining their pockets 
... it's all about holding those in power accountable, you know?
i feel for those tiny shops 
they gotta do what they think is right 
but idk how this will affect ppl who need a job 
also can't believe target is getting involved 
they got ties to the city and all that 
but maybe there's a way to do it without hurting innocent people 
hope everything gets sorted out soon 
especially since they're not just targeting target, but also other companies and even some of the local businesses themselves 
. I mean, I get that the protesters want to make a point about ICE's actions, but this is going to hurt a lot of innocent people - like the employees who can't pay their bills or the families who rely on those businesses for their livelihoods 
. I mean, I get that they're not taking sides, but it's like they're just letting the protesters dictate how they operate. As a parent, I would be worried about my kids - they have no idea what's going on or why all these businesses are closed 
.
, and I'm not sure what's more concerning - the protests or the fact that people are actually holding up their own businesses. It feels like it's gonna get super ugly in here...
Like, sure, they should be more transparent about their ties to the city, but come on, let's not make this personal. 
. The Day of Truth and Freedom sounds like something straight outta a 90s alt-rock anthem 
, and I'm worried we're gonna end up hurting the very people we're trying to help - small business owners, immigrant communities... you get it, all those good vibes 
.
. And I feel bad for small businesses and immigrant-owned enterprises who are losing out on sales because of this protest 
i feel for the target employees too, gotta be worried about their jobs now 
meanwhile, mayor frey just says they gotta think about "neighbours" umm, what about us, the ones who live here?
, especially small businesses and immigrants who rely on their jobs. i hope they can find another way to express themselves without hurting so many good ppl in the process 
, it feels like we're at a breaking point rn 
. I mean, ICE is basically a symbol of the oppressive systems that are keeping communities of color in check, so it's about time someone took them on.
. I mean, as a city, Minneapolis should be standing up for its residents, not just talking about it.
. I hope everyone stays safe and that something good comes out of it in the end 
.