Key Facts
- ✓ The AFL-CIO, representing approximately 15 million workers, has officially endorsed a statewide economic blackout in Minnesota.
- ✓ Federal officers have arrested over 2,500 individuals during Operation Metro Surge, which launched on December 1.
- ✓ A fatal shooting of a 37-year-old American citizen by an ICE officer on January 7 has intensified tensions and sparked protests across the state.
- ✓ The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation announced the endorsement alongside other regional bodies, citing direct impacts on union members and families.
- ✓ Minnesota's attorney general filed a lawsuit against Homeland Security on behalf of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the state to end the operation.
A Statewide Stand
Minnesota is bracing for a significant economic pause as the nation's largest labor movement mobilizes against federal immigration enforcement. The AFL-CIO, a federation representing some 15 million workers, has officially endorsed a statewide economic blackout scheduled for January 23.
The protest action is a direct response to Operation Metro Surge, an ongoing ICE initiative that has deployed thousands of officers across the state. Residents are being asked to skip work, school, and shopping to demonstrate the economic power of the community and demand an end to what organizers describe as a militarized occupation.
Operation Metro Surge
Launched on December 1, Operation Metro Surge has resulted in over 2,500 arrests according to Homeland Security. The operation has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and officials who argue that the tactics used by immigration officers are disrupting daily life and violating rights.
The presence of federal law enforcement has strained local resources. According to the Minnesota Attorney General's Office, the surge has forced municipalities to divert local law enforcement from normal duties and has strained emergency responder resources. Schools have been forced into lockdowns and closures, while businesses have been compelled to shut their doors.
As a result of this surge, municipalities have been forced to divert local law enforcement resources away from their normal public safety duties, emergency responder resources have been strained, schools have been forced into lockdowns and closures, businesses have been forced to close, and the rights of Minnesotans have been violated time and time again.
"The Trump administration's militarized immigration enforcement is putting innocent working people in danger."
— AFL-CIO, X post
Labor's Response
The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, affiliated with the AFL-CIO, led the announcement of the endorsement on Friday. In a press release, the group stated that the labor movement is united against the violent ICE occupation that has directly impacted union members, workplaces, and families.
The labor federation highlighted that the enforcement actions are targeting working people across a wide spectrum of industries.
- Hospitality workers
- Healthcare professionals
- Education staff
- Custodial and construction workers
- Public works employees
In a statement on X, the AFL-CIO characterized the enforcement as the Trump administration's militarized immigration enforcement that puts innocent working people in danger.
Escalating Tensions
Tensions in Minnesota skyrocketed on January 7 when ICE officer Jonathan Ross fatally shot Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen from Minneapolis. The incident triggered a wave of protests and public outcry across the state.
Following the shooting, Minnesota's attorney general filed a lawsuit against Homeland Security on behalf of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the state. The legal action seeks to permanently end Operation Metro Surge. The lawsuit underscores the deepening conflict between state officials and federal agencies over the scope and methods of the operation.
The Day of Truth and Freedom
The economic blackout is part of a broader event organizers are calling the Day of Truth and Freedom. Dozens of community, faith, and union groups are coordinating the effort to pause the state's economy for a day.
In addition to the economic boycott, organizers have planned a rally and march in downtown Minneapolis set for 2 p.m. local time. The goal is to display Minnesota's moral heart and economic power.
We will gather with family, neighbors, and community to show Minnesota's moral heart and economic power.
The organizers have listed specific demands to guide the protest. They insist that ICE must leave Minnesota and that federal funding for the agency be scrapped in the upcoming congressional budget.
Looking Ahead
The endorsement by the AFL-CIO signals a potential shift in organized labor's engagement with immigration enforcement policies. By leveraging the economic power of 15 million workers, the labor movement aims to apply significant pressure on federal authorities.
As January 23 approaches, all eyes will be on Minnesota to see the impact of the Day of Truth and Freedom. The outcome of the protest and the ongoing legal battle will likely influence future strategies for both labor unions and immigration advocacy groups nationwide.
"The Minnesota labor movement is united against the violent ICE occupation of our beloved cities that has directly impacted union members, our workplaces and our families."
— Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, Press Release
"Working people from across sectors — hospitality, healthcare, education, custodial, construction, public works — are being targeted."
— Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, Statement
"We will gather with family, neighbors, and community to show Minnesota's moral heart and economic power."
— Organizers, Facebook Post
"As a result of this surge, municipalities have been forced to divert local law enforcement resources away from their normal public safety duties, emergency responder resources have been strained, schools have been forced into lockdowns and closures, businesses have been forced to close, and the rights of Minnesotans have been violated time and time again."
— Minnesota Attorney General's Office, Press Release
