By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Minneapolis residents are organizing an “ICE Out” day of protest, calling for a day of no work, school, or shopping to protest ICE presence and actions in the city. Businesses like Wrecktangle Pizza and Beckett’s plan to close in solidarity, with owners citing concerns over the impact on immigrant communities and the restaurant industry. Despite freezing temperatures, a massive mobilization is underway, with volunteers providing aid to families, including food distribution from Dios Habla Hoy church. This response aims to honor Renee Nicole Good, recently killed by an ICE officer, and demonstrate support for the city’s immigrant community through both protest and humanitarian efforts.
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Businesses in Minneapolis are planning to close Friday to protest ICE, and the situation is layered with a complexity of motivations and potential consequences. The core of this action appears to be a show of solidarity and a form of resistance against the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It’s a day of economic inactivity, a collective decision to withhold participation in the usual cycle of commerce as a means of making a statement.
The timing, however, is striking, and naturally, it’s something people are discussing. The Minneapolis area is currently experiencing a brutal cold snap, with temperatures plummeting to potentially dangerous lows. This extreme weather has already led to school closures and will naturally impact business activity, making the decision to close for a protest seem, to some, like a convenient move masked by another cause. Is it a true act of defiance, or is it a practical response to a situation where business might have been slow anyway? There is a certain irony in protesting during some of the harshest conditions the area might see, adding another layer to the narrative.
The level of support for the protest seems varied. Some people are expressing strong solidarity, vowing not to spend any money that day in a gesture of support, extending their commitment beyond Minnesota’s borders. There’s a hope that this action will receive widespread media attention, amplifying the message and potentially drawing more people into the movement. This kind of action is seen by some as a necessary form of collective action to apply pressure. Others are more skeptical. The effectiveness of a one-day shutdown is questioned, and the potential for the protest to backfire and harm the very businesses and employees it intends to support is also a concern.
There is a sense that the federal government, specifically ICE, might not be significantly affected by a localized protest. Some argue the government could even view the disruption with a certain level of satisfaction, viewing the situation as further disruption of normal life. This raises the question of whether the action is well-targeted, whether it genuinely applies pressure on the intended target. Some individuals suggest that instead of targeting businesses, one could focus on denying ICE resources, like food, shelter, and fuel, for maximum impact.
Then, there’s the consideration of what this action truly symbolizes. Some view it as a necessary step, a potential catalyst for broader, more sustained actions. Others see it as performative, a gesture that may not achieve the desired outcome and could, in fact, be counterproductive. The need for sustained action, rather than a one-off event, is a recurring theme. The conversation explores whether this event is a genuine protest or, as some suggest, more of a symbolic gesture that may be easily dismissed.
The impact on businesses and employees is another significant consideration. While some employees are getting the day off with no questions asked and potentially receiving pay for the day, there’s a concern that many businesses may not be in a position to offer paid time off, leaving employees financially vulnerable. The financial implications for the businesses themselves also add a layer of complexity.
Moreover, the conversations touch on the larger political context. Some see the actions of ICE as a symptom of a larger problem, and the protest is seen as a way to send a message to those in power. However, others argue that targeting specific agencies might not be enough to create lasting change, highlighting the need for broader strategies. This ties into larger political divides, as some are seeing the potential protest as a way to oppose government actions.
In the end, it’s a complex situation with a mixture of support, skepticism, and concern. The effectiveness of the protest is debatable, and its impact will depend on a multitude of factors, including the level of participation, the media coverage it receives, and the actions taken afterward. It highlights the challenges of organizing and executing protests in a world where actions are often met with cynicism and resistance.