Activists across the United States are gearing up for two days of significant protests and a nationwide strike on 30 and 31 January, targeting the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This movement has been fuelled by a series of tragic incidents involving ICE, including the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, which have sparked outrage and calls for the abolition of the agency.
Grassroots Movement Mobilises for Action
In response to escalating violence linked to ICE, grassroots organisers are mobilising extensive demonstrations across the nation. Activists are calling for a “national shutdown” on Friday, urging participants to refrain from work, school, and shopping in order to disrupt economic activities. The aim is to highlight the detrimental impacts of ICE on communities and to demand its dismantling.
“This is about stopping the funding that enables ICE to operate in our towns,” said a representative from the organising committee. The following day, a nationwide “ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action” is set to take place, featuring protests and vigils in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
A Call for Justice and Accountability
The protests are not only a reaction to high-profile cases but also aim to bring attention to numerous lesser-known incidents, including the death of Geraldo Lunas Campos, a Cuban immigrant who died in ICE custody earlier this month. Activists are determined to secure justice for those affected by ICE’s actions, including individuals like five-year-old Liam Ramos, who was detained while returning home from school.
“People are angry, and they want change,” noted Gloriann Sahay, a national coordinator with the grassroots organisation 50501. Recent polling indicates a growing discontent with ICE’s operations, revealing that more Americans now support the agency’s abolition than oppose it.
Diverse Strategies for a Unified Cause
The upcoming protests will employ a variety of tactics to maximise impact. Student groups from the University of Minnesota, including the Black Student Union and the Somali Student Association, are leading walkouts as part of the strike. They are rallying peers from various educational institutions across the country to join in solidarity.
On Saturday, protests will be staged outside ICE detention facilities and field offices, as well as targeting airlines known to transport detainees. Activists also plan to confront lawmakers who have previously supported funding for ICE, seeking to hold them accountable for their decisions. Their strategy includes a commitment to challenge pro-ICE incumbents in upcoming elections.
Continued Pressure on Local Businesses
Beyond street demonstrations, the 50501 organisation is initiating pressure campaigns aimed at disrupting the infrastructure that supports ICE operations. Their “No Housing for ICE” initiative encourages local hotels to refuse accommodations to ICE agents, while the “#DontServeICE” campaign aims to persuade businesses to deny service to ICE personnel. Activists are employing social media and consumer boycotts to amplify their message.
In Washington, D.C., supporters are set to protest at all Target locations following an incident in which ICE agents detained employees at a store. The call for a boycott is part of a larger strategy to make corporations reconsider their relationships with ICE.
Why it Matters
These protests represent a significant moment in the ongoing national discourse around immigration enforcement and police accountability. As communities rally against perceived injustices and the aggressive tactics of federal agencies, the actions taken on 30 and 31 January could potentially reshape the narrative surrounding immigration policy in the United States. The increasing visibility of these movements highlights a growing urgency for change, as activists seek to redefine the relationship between local communities and federal enforcement agencies.
