General Strike

On February 3, 2025, businesses nationwide closed and immigrants stayed home from work and school to highlight immigrant contributions to the economy. Thousands participated in LA, Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, NYC, Dallas, Houston, and many other cities. A precursor to the larger protests that would follow the Minneapolis killings.

Minneapolis, MN

location

Epicenter of the crisis. Operation Metro Surge deployed 2,000-3,000 agents. Two Americans killed (Good, Pretti), one Venezuelan shot (Sosa-Celis). Site of the first general strike in 80 years. 50,000+ marched in -20°F. Federal judge found ICE violated 96+ court orders since January 2026.

On January 23, 2026, the first general strike in the United States in approximately 80 years. Over 50,000 people marched through downtown Minneapolis in temperatures as low as -20°F. 700+ Minnesota businesses closed in solidarity. ~100 clergy arrested at a protest against deportation flights. Unions including SEIU Local 26, UNITE HERE Local 17, CWA Local 7250, and the Minneapolis and St. Paul Federations of Educators endorsed the strike. Bruce Springsteen released "Streets of Minneapolis" on January 28 honoring Good and Pretti — #1 on iTunes in 19 countries.

On January 30, 2026, the "National Shutdown" / "ICE Out" brought 300+ protests to cities across the US. Minneapolis remained the epicenter. National partners included Defend Immigrant Families, CAIR, Poor People's Campaign, LA Tenants Union, and student organizations. Actors Pedro Pascal and Hannah Einbinder and rapper Macklemore promoted the strike on social media. Over the weekend (Jan 31-Feb 1), 600+ events attended by tens of thousands. A PBS/Marist poll found 65% of Americans said ICE had gone too far.