Production on the long-running medical drama, *Grey’s Anatomy*, has been temporarily halted. The decision comes as a direct response to escalating protests against actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) across the nation.
The show, currently filming its 22nd season, holds the record for the longest-running primetime scripted medical drama in US television history. Its pause reflects a growing wave of activism demanding accountability and change.
Organized by student groups and grassroots activists, a ‘national shutdown’ is planned for January 30th and 31st. The call to action is stark: ‘No work. No school. No shopping. Stop funding ICE.’ Demonstrators aim to disrupt daily life and draw attention to their cause.
The protests are fueled by recent tragedies. This month alone, ICE officers were involved in the deaths of two US citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during demonstrations in Minneapolis protesting immigration policies. These events have ignited widespread outrage.
Sources indicate the production shutdown on January 30th was prompted by the anticipated participation of crew members in the planned protests. The show intends to resume filming on Saturday, but another demonstration, an ‘ICE Out of Everywhere National Day of Action,’ is already scheduled.
The growing opposition to ICE isn’t limited to the streets. A number of prominent actors have publicly voiced their dissent in recent weeks, using high-profile events to make their stance known.
At the Golden Globes, several stars wore ‘ICE Out’ pins, signaling their solidarity with the movement. More recently, similar displays of support were seen at the Sundance Film Festival.
Actor Mark Ruffalo powerfully addressed the issue on the Golden Globes red carpet, wearing a ‘Be Good’ pin in memory of Renee Nicole Good, the 37-year-old woman fatally shot by an ICE agent. The incident was captured on video, adding to the public outcry.
“This is for Renee Nicole Good, who was murdered,” Ruffalo stated to reporters, dedicating his pin to those “terrorised and scared” by current events. He expressed his love for the country while lamenting the direction it was taking.
Ruffalo acknowledged the celebratory nature of the Globes, expressing gratitude for his nomination, but insisted, “This is not normal anymore. So I don’t know how I could be quiet.” His words resonated with many, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
