Demonstrators rallied nationwide today to protest the Trump administration's stringent immigration policies, calling for a "no work, no school, no shopping" strike. This event is a direct response to escalating tensions following the deaths of individuals connected to immigration enforcement actions, particularly the recent killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
Activists have been vocally critical of ICE's tactics, citing particularly brutal enforcement practices that have led to community violence. Pretti, an intensive care nurse, was shot by agents while recording an arrest with his cellphone, prompting widespread outrage. His death was compounded by the fatal police shooting of Renee Good, who was reportedly shot while in her vehicle by an ICE officer.
In Minneapolis, several businesses announced closures during the planned "economic blackout" to express solidarity with the movement, while some schools in states such as Colorado and Arizona preemptively canceled classes in anticipation of mass absences. Notably, student walkouts were organized in various high schools, including Groves High School in Michigan, where dozens of students walked a mile to protest.
Protesters gathered not only in Minneapolis but also in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, reiterating calls to “stop ICE’s reign of terror.” In New York City's Foley Square, thousands participated, marching through the cold, chanting for an end to violence against community members.
Local leaders and organizations, including the New York Immigrant Coalition, voiced that the ongoing violence must stop and demanded accountability for authorities involved in the recent fatalities. In a statement of solidarity, the coalition stressed the need for safety and dignity for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.
As protests unfold, organizers stress the importance of collective action in holding authorities accountable and addressing the pervasive issues surrounding immigration enforcement. Community members rally around the message that "everyone deserves to live without fear of violence in their homes and communities."
The nationwide strike represents both a pushback against the current administration's policies and a call for unity in advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly those involved in or affected by immigration challenges.