By Sunday Unekwuojo Samson
Thousands of people took part in major protests in Minnesota, United States on Friday, January 23, 2026. Many businesses closed and workers stayed home as part of a large day of action against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The event was called the “ICE Out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom.” Organizers urged residents not to go to work, school, or shopping. They wanted to draw attention to what they see as aggressive immigration enforcement in their state.
Despite bitter cold and subzero temperatures, large crowds marched through downtown Minneapolis. People carried signs and chanted for ICE to leave their communities.
At the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, dozens of clergy members knelt and prayed in protest. They refused to move when officers asked them to clear the road. Organizers said about 100 religious leaders were arrested during that sit-in.
Across Minnesota, bars, restaurants, shops and museums closed their doors for the day in solidarity. Workers joined street marches and rallies. Some local businesses also offered free food and warm spaces for people taking part in the events.
The protests were sparked by a recent surge of federal immigration agents in Minnesota and the fatal shooting of Renée Good, a U.S. citizen killed by an ICE officer earlier in January. Organizers also called for legal accountability for the officer and an end to what they describe as harmful enforcement tactics.
Supporters said the day of action aimed to show how much ordinary people and businesses contribute to daily life and to pressure leaders for change.
And that’s the latest from Minnesota.