By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In Minneapolis, unions and community groups announced a day of action on January 23rd to protest federal immigration actions. The collective action encourages Minnesotans to refrain from work, school, and shopping, with support from prominent labor unions and community organizations. The demonstration aims to address violence, family separations, and the perceived assault by federal authorities on the state’s residents. Organizers emphasize the importance of unity and collective action, recognizing this as a form of resistance until conditions improve.
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“We Are Facing a Tsunami of Hate”: Amid ICE Crackdown, Unions and Community Groups Call for Minnesota Shutdown in 10 Days
It seems like we’re witnessing a pivotal moment, a boiling point reached in the face of escalating actions by federal immigration authorities. The call for a shutdown in Minnesota, spearheaded by unions and community groups, resonates with a growing sense of urgency and outrage. The core of the issue, and the reason for the extreme response, is the perceived overreach and brutality of ICE.
The trigger, it seems, is more than just policy disagreements; it’s a deep concern over human rights and safety. The accounts of violence, the reports of families being torn apart, and the recent news of pepper balls possibly being doctored to cause more harm, have fueled a strong emotional response. This is not simply a matter of political debate; it’s a moral imperative for many. The call for a shutdown transcends traditional political lines, uniting people from various backgrounds under the shared conviction that “this is not normal.”
The proposed action is straightforward and powerful: a day of “no work, no school, no shopping” on January 23rd. The goal is to cripple the operations of the state, and make it clear how deeply this goes. Major labor unions are backing this up, including significant representation across multiple sectors. This collective action is seen as a way to send a strong message of refusal and defiance.
The essence of the movement is that the current situation is unacceptable. The idea of the government acting in this way, with impunity, requires an immediate response. It is a fundamental questioning of the power structure, the rules, and the people behind them. The shutdown, for some, is a strike, while for others, it’s a right of refusal.
This call for action is not just confined to Minnesota. The sentiments expressed suggest a desire to expand this movement across the entire country, a demand for a national general strike. The frustration, the anger, the feeling of being pushed to the brink, are all driving this idea that goes beyond this specific event. The underlying belief is that the country is being run by the workers, and that their collective action can bring about real change.
There’s a sense that red lines have been crossed. The focus shifts to the actions of ICE, with calls for them to be disarmed, and even replaced with police or the army. The accusations are severe, with ICE agents being labeled as “evil terrorists” for their actions. The call is for a complete shift in power, to take back what’s perceived as the government’s monopoly on sanctioned violence.
The strategy involves a multi-pronged approach: a general strike, economic boycotts, and a coordinated campaign to target companies that support ICE. There’s also the element of social media engagement, encouraging people to make their voices heard, and the support of each other. The ultimate goal is to disrupt the government, and hopefully make the administration and ICE back down.
The focus is clearly aimed at making this day, and this movement, more than just a symbolic gesture. The idea is to make sure nobody drives to work, goes to school, or shops at the stores that enable the government’s ability to commit these atrocities. The call for a shutdown on a particular day, the 23rd, is a starting point, with the ultimate goal being an ongoing resistance, an ongoing disruption.
There’s a significant urgency to the call for action. The belief is that waiting is not an option. The time to resist is now. Many commenters feel that this requires a full shutdown, and that it may require continued protests. There’s no ambiguity here.
The discussion also highlights the personal impact, the shared concerns. It’s about safety, the fear of intimidation, and the desire to protect communities. There is also a call to action through boycotts and other forms of economic pressure to influence specific companies. The emphasis is on building a movement, creating solidarity, and making the government realize that the people’s patience has worn thin.
Ultimately, the call for a shutdown in Minnesota, and the potential expansion of such actions across the United States, represents a potent mix of anger, fear, and a burning desire for change. It’s a response to a perceived crisis, and a bold assertion of the power of collective action.