Activists across the United States are mobilising for a nationwide general strike on Friday, advocating for “no work, no school, no shopping” as a form of protest against the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. This initiative, described as a “blackout,” aims to highlight the growing discontent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices, particularly following recent tragic incidents involving federal agents.
Rising Tensions Over Immigration Enforcement
The call for this Friday’s action stems from a series of violent confrontations involving ICE agents, which have intensified scrutiny of the agency’s enforcement tactics. The fatalities of individuals such as Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Keith Porter in Los Angeles, and Silverio Villegas González in Illinois have sparked outrage and prompted activists to demand accountability and reform. Kidus Yeshidagna, president of the Ethiopian Students Union at the University of Minnesota and a chief organiser of the strike, expressed the urgency of the situation: “We are calling for this strike because we believe what we have been doing in Minnesota should go national. We need more people and lawmakers across the country to wake up.”
The protests in Minnesota have already gained significant traction, with thousands participating in a recent demonstration marked by frigid conditions. Businesses throughout the area temporarily closed their doors to show solidarity, demanding justice for the victims of ICE violence and a reevaluation of the agency’s mandate.
A Coalition of Activism
The student-led coalition comprises various ethnic and cultural groups, including associations of Black, Somali, Liberian, Ethiopian, and Eritrean students, as well as the graduate labour union. Their efforts to coordinate both local and national actions began on January 21, culminating in last week’s impressive turnout. “We came out in huge numbers despite the cold,” Yeshidagna noted, reflecting on the previous protests. “We are now doing it again.”
As the call for action spreads, cities like Philadelphia, New York, Boise, and Columbus are witnessing gatherings at city halls and legislative buildings. Additionally, students in high schools and universities across states such as Florida and California are staging walkouts to join the broader movement. In Milwaukee and Buffalo, gatherings are taking place in public parks, while protests in Washington D.C. are centred around Target stores, following violent detentions of employees by ICE in Richfield, Minnesota.
Growing Support for the Movement
Support for the general strike has been bolstered by testimonies from the families of Good and Pretti, who have reached out to student organisations to express solidarity. The movement has also attracted endorsements from numerous organisations, including major unions and activist groups like 50501. Gloriann Sahay, a national coordinator with 50501, articulated the purpose of the movement: “We want to obstruct the pillars that are upholding the Trump administration. By showing up, we are showing we are more in number and that we are not afraid of this terror being reigned down upon us.”
Celebrity endorsements, including messages from figures such as Ariana Grande and Macklemore, have further amplified the strike’s visibility. “When I got out of class, I saw that Ariana posted our flyer,” Yeshidagna shared. “That was crazy. It is awesome that she is bringing light to this.”
Legislative Implications
These protests take place against the backdrop of an impending partial government shutdown, with Senate Democrats and some Republicans signalling their opposition to any funding bill that includes provisions for the Department of Homeland Security, the agency responsible for ICE. Advocates for reform are pushing for measures that would regulate ICE’s operations, such as requiring warrants for arrests and prohibiting agents from wearing masks during enforcement actions.
Why it Matters
The impending nationwide protests reflect a critical moment in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the United States. As communities unite to challenge ICE’s tactics, the movement not only addresses the immediate concerns surrounding immigration policy but also raises broader questions about human rights and the treatment of vulnerable populations. The outcomes of these actions could influence legislative reform and reshape the narrative surrounding immigration in America. As the nation watches, the events of this week may prove pivotal in defining the future of immigration enforcement and community rights in the United States.
