US Labour Movement Expands Minnesota Economic Blackout Nationwide
A skeleton decoration stands above a sign outside a home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, symbolising the chilling atmosphere surrounding federal immigration enforcement operations in the region. This visual marker coincides with growing labour movement protests against what organisers describe as unconstitutional and dangerous Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities.
From Minnesota to National Solidarity Actions
One of America's largest labour unions is spearheading efforts to expand Friday's economic blackout beyond Minnesota's borders, transforming what began as a regional protest into a nationwide demonstration. Organisers are urging residents across Minnesota not to work, shop, or attend school tomorrow as part of coordinated actions against ICE operations and the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good. The movement has gained significant momentum, with solidarity actions now planned in cities across the United States.
Planned demonstrations span from Orlando, Florida, and Columbus, Ohio, to Phoenix, Arizona, Seattle, Washington, Los Angeles, California, and New York City. This geographical spread represents a coordinated effort to stand in solidarity with Minnesota communities affected by what labour leaders describe as aggressive federal immigration enforcement tactics.
Major Union Leadership and Historical Parallels
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing nearly two million service and healthcare workers across the United States, is leading calls for nationwide participation in Friday's economic blackout. David Huerta, president of SEIU-United Service Workers West and SEIU California, invoked historical civil rights struggles during a recent television appearance, stating that current events demonstrate unprecedented alignment between civil rights, workers' rights, and immigrants' rights movements.
"When we look at Minneapolis – the violence, the cruelty that's being brought by this federal government against working people – it is now more than ever that we have to stand together, regardless of our differences," Huerta emphasised, highlighting the perceived urgency of the situation.
Worker Testimonies and Economic Impact Concerns
Jim Badger-Aguilar, a public employee at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and SEIU Local 509 member, plans to participate in Boston's blackout event on Friday. He expressed concern about ICE's behaviour exceeding even the worst expectations regarding immigration enforcement under the current administration, noting the financial trade-offs between immigration enforcement funding and public services.
"The billions and billions of dollars that are going to ICE are at the cost of public services and of services for people with disabilities, people who are homeless, people who are poor, other working people, and the people who work alongside us," Badger-Aguilar stated, connecting immigration policy to broader social service funding debates.
Minnesota Labour Leaders Describe Constitutional Crisis
Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, president of the Minnesota Regional Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, characterised ICE operations in Minnesota as creating a "crisis" for thousands of workers who face targeting while attempting to work and support their families. She challenged official claims that ICE primarily targets undocumented immigrants with criminal records, citing specific cases of legal workers being detained despite proper documentation.
"There is no rhyme or reason besides racial profiling for how people are being picked up in this community," Glaubitz Gabiou asserted, describing workplace safety concerns and broader democratic implications when workers cannot freely travel to employment.
Broad-Based Community Support and Official Response
The executive board of the Minnesota AFL-CIO, representing over 1,000 affiliated local unions, formally endorsed the day of action on 20 January, with dozens of Minnesota labour unions following suit. Faith communities have also joined the movement, with dozens of Minnesota places of worship planning participation through prayer services and moral reflection gatherings.
JaNaé Bates Imari, a minister and co-executive director of the multi-faith non-profit Isaiah, called for ICE to leave Minnesota during a press conference with interfaith leaders, urging faith communities to open their doors for lament, prayer, and collective action on Friday.
Local economic participation includes numerous Minneapolis-area small businesses – from bars and restaurants to bakeries – announcing temporary closures in solidarity with the blackout. Meanwhile, a US Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticised the labour movement's actions, questioning why union leaders would oppose removing what they described as public safety threats from communities.
Broader Context and Historical Precedents
Under the current administration, immigration enforcement patterns have shifted significantly, with thousands of ICE targets having no criminal record and numerous US citizens experiencing detention. The administration has also issued over 1,500 pardons to individuals convicted of crimes, including participants in the US Capitol insurrection and wealthy campaign donors, creating additional context for current protests about enforcement priorities and constitutional protections.
