A wave of planned protests is building across the nation, fueled by outrage over recent events in Minnesota and a growing resistance to federal immigration enforcement. Organizers are calling for a complete “National Shutdown” – a day of no work, no school, and no commerce – aiming to disrupt daily life and demand an end to ICE’s operations.
The movement gained intense momentum following two fatal shootings in Minneapolis. Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse and veteran, was killed by Border Patrol agents while documenting immigration enforcement activities. Just weeks prior, Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer during an encounter that authorities claim involved a perceived threat from her vehicle.
These incidents have ignited a firestorm of protest, with demonstrators asserting that ICE and Border Patrol are instilling fear and actively targeting communities. The call to “SHUT IT DOWN” echoes a demand for an immediate halt to what organizers describe as a “reign of terror.”
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has voiced her support for the nationwide mobilizations and the broader movement for change. While expressing solidarity with the protesters, she clarified that her office will remain open to continue providing critical casework and support to immigrant families.
Ocasio-Cortez has been a vocal critic of the previous administration’s immigration policies, particularly their enforcement tactics within Minnesota. Her decision to keep her office operational reflects a commitment to directly assisting constituents navigating the complexities of the immigration system.
Thousands previously took to the streets in Minneapolis for an “ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom” march, a demonstration that foreshadowed the escalating tensions and the subsequent calls for a nationwide shutdown. The atmosphere was charged with grief and a determination to challenge federal authority.
The organizers emphasize that this is not simply a protest, but a collective act of resistance – a unified stand against perceived overreach and a demand for a more just and humane immigration system. They believe a nationwide disruption is necessary to force a reckoning and bring about lasting change.
The events in Minneapolis have become a focal point for a larger national conversation about immigration enforcement, police accountability, and the rights of vulnerable communities. The “National Shutdown” represents a bold attempt to amplify those voices and force a reevaluation of current policies.
