Hundreds of businesses across Minnesota shut down on Friday, as large crowds gathered to protest ongoing immigration enforcement operations by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, despite bitterly cold weather.
Residents were urged to stay at home from work and school by several activist groups, they were also asked to avoid spending any money for the day. Organisers said this action was taken to highlight their stance in opposition to the ICE raids that have continued for more than six weeks in the state.
The operation, conducted under the Trump administration was described as a public safety effort to remove the undocumented individuals who had criminal backgrounds stated by The Federal authorities. Community leaders and civil rights advocates also dispute that claim, saying people with no criminal records and even US citizens have been detained.
Protests took place across the Minneapolis–St Paul area, with thousands marching through downtown Minneapolis in temperatures well below freezing. Demonstrators later gathered at the city’s NBA arena for a rally, chanting and playing music as they called for an end to ICE operations.
Earlier in the day, about 100 religious leaders were arrested at Minneapolis–St Paul International Airport during a protest urging the airlines not to assist in deportation flights. The arrests were made after the demonstrators went beyond the terms of their permit and the step was taken due to safety concerns, as stated by Airport officials
The recent death of 37-year-old Renee Good who was Minneapolis resident, has sparked anger over the raids and this incident has also drawn condemnation from local officials. Faith leaders and activists say that the incident has deepened fears within immigrant communities all over the state.
The ICE presence has not only disrupted daily life but it is also hurting local economies, several business owners mentioned. Sharp drops in the sales were reported by some, as customers and workers remain at home out of concern over possible detentions.
Concerns have also grown after school officials in Columbia Heights confirmed that four students, aged between five and 17, had been detained by ICE. In a separate incident reported by US media, a two-year-old child was taken into custody alongside her undocumented father during a routine trip to a grocery store.
Organisers say Friday’s protests marked the strongest opposition so far to federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, with further demonstrations expected if the operations continue.
Source: BBC News