Minnesota Businesses Shut Down To Protest ICE Surge

On January 23, 2026, Minnesota is set to witness an unprecedented show of solidarity as hundreds of businesses, faith leaders, unions, and community members unite for the "ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom." This daylong statewide shutdown, also known as the "ICE Out! Statewide Shutdown," calls upon Minnesotans to refrain from working, shopping, or attending school in protest of the recent surge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the state. The event is expected to culminate in a major march at 2 p.m. in downtown Minneapolis, marking what could become one of the largest demonstrations against ICE in Minnesota’s history.

The roots of this movement stretch back to late November 2025, when ICE began ramping up enforcement actions across Minnesota. Tensions reached a breaking point after an ICE officer killed Renee Good in Minneapolis on January 7, 2026, an incident that galvanized activists, faith leaders, and union organizers throughout the state. According to the Star Tribune, the shutdown was conceived by a coalition of faith and union leaders determined to highlight the plight of immigrant workers, customers, and neighbors who have become targets of federal agents.

Over 300 businesses—including prominent restaurants, coffee shops, co-op grocery stores, museums, and even yoga studios—have confirmed their plans to close their doors on January 23. This list, compiled by outlets like Bring Me the News and Axios, features well-known establishments such as Daniel del Prado’s restaurants, Gavin Kaysen’s restaurants, Bar La Grassa, and the Freewheel Bike Shop chain. Co-op grocery stores like Wedge, Seward, River Market, Mississippi Market, and Eastside are also among those shutting down for the day. The Star Tribune further reported that dozens of events have been postponed in solidarity with the protest.

Some businesses are taking creative approaches to participation. Vanessa Beardsley, owner of Catzen Coffee, told Axios that her shop will not conduct regular business but will instead offer free drip coffee to those who stop by. "This is an opportunity for all of us — and when I say us, I mean our neighborhood, our city and our state — to stand together and show not only ourselves but everyone who's watching how much power the people really have," Beardsley explained.

The protest has not been limited to the business community. Faith leaders have played a significant role in organizing and amplifying the message. At a gathering of faith leaders in St. Paul, Pastor Jim Erlandson of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer declared, “It is long past due for ICE to cease, desist and leave Minnesota.” The shutdown follows a series of demonstrations in recent weeks, with protests occurring at churches, malls, construction sites, and even the state Capitol. These events have drawn attention to the community’s growing frustration with federal immigration enforcement tactics.

The shutdown’s reach extends to the Karmel Mall in Minneapolis, where, on January 21, immigration agents conducted three raids in less than two hours, detaining three individuals during a planned protest by Somali business owners. Bashir Garad, chairman of the Karmel Mall Business Association and owner of a travel company, announced that all businesses in the mall would close on January 23 to demonstrate solidarity with the broader community movement.

Despite the groundswell of support, not all sectors of Minnesota’s workforce will be equally affected. Union contracts and the harsh winter weather are expected to blunt the impact on public services. For example, the Minnesota Nurses Association has encouraged its members to join the march but has also reminded them to honor no-strike provisions and report for work as scheduled. Teachers’ unions in Minneapolis and St. Paul have voiced their support, but Minneapolis Public Schools already had the day off for record keeping, and Education Minnesota, the statewide union, is encouraging protests only outside of work hours.

Metro Transit, which operates the region’s buses and trains, announced that service would continue as scheduled, though they will alert riders if there are any last-minute changes. Still, with forecast wind chills expected to plummet to -39°F on the morning of January 23, many school districts may end up canceling classes regardless of the protest, according to Axios.

Organizers have not left anything to chance. They have distributed toolkits to supporters, offering guidance on how to approach businesses and ask them to close for the day. Wes Burdine, owner of the Black Hart bar in St. Paul, told Racket that while it was a difficult decision—especially since winter is already a tough season for small businesses—he ultimately decided to join the shutdown. "It’s a sizable ask for small businesses to give up their busiest night of the week when cold weather already hurts business in winter," Burdine admitted, reflecting the economic dilemma facing many participants.

Economic concerns have also been voiced by business leaders. Mike Logan, CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, has spoken out against ICE’s recent actions but stopped short of endorsing the strike. “The Chamber would be hard-pressed to support any strike that further impacts an already struggling economic situation for the region, but ... we agree the ICE surge has had an immediate and likely long-term impact on the vitality of the region regardless of its stated purpose,” Logan told Axios.

While the scale of business closures is significant, the true test will be how many rank-and-file employees across the state choose not to show up for work, whether or not they are protected by a union contract. The organizers hope the collective action will send a resounding message to both local and federal authorities that the community stands united against what they see as unjust immigration enforcement.

As the shutdown unfolds, the eyes of the nation will be on Minnesota. The day’s events will not only gauge the strength of the protest movement but will also highlight the complex interplay between economic realities, labor rights, and the fight for immigrant justice. For many, the "ICE Out of MN" day is about more than just a single protest—it’s a powerful statement about the kind of community Minnesotans want to be, even in the face of adversity and bitter cold.