What to know about Minnesota's anti-ICE blackout day protest

January 22, 2026 - 19:12

Over two hundred businesses across Minnesota are preparing for a coordinated economic protest, pledging to close their doors or withhold spending in a demonstration against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the state. The action, termed a "blackout day," is designed as a powerful economic statement to highlight community opposition to recent enforcement operations.

Organizers of the movement argue that ICE presence instills fear and disrupts the fabric of local communities. The protest aims to show the collective economic power of these businesses and their supporters, emphasizing the integral role immigrant communities play in the state's economy and culture. Participants range from small retail shops and restaurants to larger service providers, all united in their call for change.

The planned blackout has sparked widespread conversation about immigration policy at the local level. It represents a significant grassroots mobilization, putting a public face on business owners' solidarity with immigrant families. The one-day action seeks to send a clear message to policymakers by demonstrating the tangible impact and widespread concern over current federal enforcement tactics within Minnesota's cities and neighborhoods.