Trump Facing Nationwide Strike
Protest organizers in multiple states pushed a nationwide “economic blackout” on Friday, urging Americans to avoid work, school, and shopping as part of a coordinated protest against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies.
The demonstrations followed renewed criticism surrounding recent federal immigration operations in Minneapolis, where the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, occurred during an enforcement action. The incident has drawn national attention and intensified scrutiny after another fatal encounter earlier this month involving Renee Good, also during an immigration operation in the same city.
Activist groups used websites and social media to promote the protests, encouraging Americans to disrupt daily routines in what organizers described as a show of opposition to federal immigration authorities. Some messaging called for widespread shutdowns of normal economic activity as a means of pressuring the administration.
In anticipation of large-scale walkouts, several school districts in states such as Arizona and Colorado canceled classes, citing concerns over attendance. Elsewhere, students and activists were encouraged to gather at city centers, state capitols, and churches for organized demonstrations.
In Minnesota, hundreds of protesters gathered early Friday outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building near Minneapolis, braving freezing temperatures. Following remarks from clergy members, portions of the crowd marched toward restricted areas of the facility, shouting slogans directed at federal agents. Local law enforcement later warned demonstrators about blocking roadways, leading many to disperse.
Some participants said their involvement was motivated by recent immigration enforcement activity in their neighborhoods. A Minnetonka resident claimed she had seen federal agents operating near public transit stops and lodging facilities, expressing concern over their proximity to residential areas.
Protests were also reported in other parts of the country. In suburban Detroit, students at a Michigan high school walked out of classes and marched to a nearby business district, where some commuters responded by honking in support. Students involved said their protest focused on immigration enforcement actions, particularly those occurring in Minnesota.
In Georgia, a high school student helped organize a similar walkout, saying recent demonstrations elsewhere inspired her to take action locally.
The protests extended into the business community as well. Some businesses announced temporary closures in solidarity with the demonstrations, while others remained open but pledged to donate a portion of their proceeds to organizations providing legal assistance to immigrants. A New York restaurant and bakery said they would continue operating despite recent storm-related financial losses, while still contributing part of their revenue to advocacy groups.
In Maine, demonstrators gathered outside a Portland church holding signs critical of immigration enforcement. The protest followed an announcement from the state’s senior U.S. senator that a recent surge in immigration operations was coming to an end.
Local officials and education administrators used the demonstrations to voice broader concerns, arguing that aggressive enforcement creates instability for families and schools. Portland’s mayor defended public protest as a long-standing American tradition, emphasizing the role of dissent in democratic society.
The nationwide demonstrations highlight the ongoing debate over immigration policy as the Trump administration continues to advance enforcement efforts it argues are necessary to uphold federal law, protect public safety, and maintain border security.
