Hundreds of Minnesota businesses close to protest ICE presence

January 24, 2026

Hundreds of Minnesota businesses closed and thousands of protesters braved extreme subzero temperatures on Friday to demonstrate against Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations that have been ongoing in the state for over six weeks. The protests, which included the arrest of approximately 100 clergy members at Minneapolis airport, represent the largest opposition to date against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Business owners cite both moral concerns and economic impacts, with some restaurants reporting sales drops exceeding 30% as employees and customers remain home out of fear.

Who is affected

Undocumented immigrants and their families in Minnesota, including children ages 2-17 who have been detained
Renee Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman killed earlier this month
Approximately 100 clergy members arrested at Minneapolis airport
Business owners like Corey Lamb (Harriet Grove Botanicals) and Kim Bartmann (owner of six restaurants)
Restaurant employees and staff who are afraid to leave their homes
Minneapolis FBI agent Tracee Mergen who resigned
At least six prosecutors in the Minneapolis US Attorney's office who resigned
Four students from Columbia Heights schools
Thousands of protesters who participated in demonstrations
US citizens being detained alongside undocumented individuals

What action is being taken

ICE is conducting "Operation Metro Surge" with thousands of federal officers deployed to Minnesota
Hundreds of businesses are closing in solidarity
Thousands of protesters are demonstrating in downtown Minneapolis and marching to the NBA arena
Protesters are skipping work, school, and refraining from shopping
Clergy members are holding protests at the airport calling on airlines to refuse transporting ICE detainees
Kim Bartmann is limiting restaurant opening hours
The FBI is investigating Renee Good's shooting

Why it matters

This represents a major escalation in the conflict between federal immigration enforcement and local communities over sanctuary policies and immigration practices. The operation is causing significant economic disruption, with businesses reporting over 30% sales declines and widespread fear preventing both documented and undocumented residents from normal activities. The detention of very young children, the killing of Renee Good, and allegations of federal pressure to discontinue investigations have created a crisis of trust between federal authorities and local communities. The situation highlights the broader national debate over immigration enforcement methods and the balance between public safety concerns and civil liberties, with potential implications for how sanctuary jurisdictions across the country interact with federal immigration authorities.

What's next

Vice-President JD Vance has called for local Minnesota law enforcement to coordinate with federal officers to carry out immigration enforcement, which would challenge the state's sanctuary policies.

Read full article from source: BBC