Minnesota Prepares for Statewide Anti-Immigration Enforcement Protests
Minnesota is gearing up for significant protests against immigration enforcement this Friday, as a broad coalition of labor unions, progressive organisations, and clergy urges residents to avoid work, school, and shopping. The action aims to pressure US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to leave the state, following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE officer in early January.
Coalition Mobilises for "Day Without Immigrants"
More than 100 groups, including Indivisible Twin Cities, are coordinating what they describe as the largest protest to date. Kate Havelin of Indivisible Twin Cities emphasised the need for substantial pressure, stating, "We really, really want I.C.E. to leave Minnesota, and they're not going to leave Minnesota unless there's a ton of pressure on them. They shouldn't be roaming any streets in our country just the way they are now." The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St Paul have experienced daily demonstrations since the incident.
National Union Support and Civil Rights Alignment
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing nearly two million service and healthcare workers across the United States, is leading calls for nationwide participation. David Huerta, president of SEIU-United Service Workers West and SEIU California, invoked historical solidarity, noting, "Martin Luther King wrote to Cesar Chavez during the Great Boycott and said our separate struggles are really one struggle. Right now, more than any time ever, we see our civil rights, workers' rights, and immigrants' rights in alignment with one another." He highlighted the situation in Minneapolis as a catalyst for unity against federal actions.
Protest Plans Amid Severe Weather Warnings
Despite forecasts of dangerously cold temperatures, with the National Weather Service predicting lows between -20°C and -30°C, a march in downtown Minneapolis is planned as part of Friday's mobilisation. Organisers stress the urgency of the protest, viewing it as a critical response to what they describe as violence and cruelty against working people.
Other Political Developments
In related news, former President Donald Trump has withdrawn an invitation for Canada to join his "board of peace" initiative, citing it as the most prestigious assembly of leaders. Greenland has reiterated its sovereignty concerns after Trump's claims about US access to the Arctic island, with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen calling for peaceful dialogue. Additionally, reports suggest that Delcy Rodríguez and her brother Jorge secretly assured US and Qatari officials of cooperation following Nicolás Maduro's removal in Venezuela.
The White House has faced criticism for posting a digitally altered image of Nekima Levy Armstrong, who was arrested in connection with a demonstration in St Paul, making her appear to cry and have darker skin. Meanwhile, former special counsel Jack Smith defended his decision to pursue charges against Trump for election interference, asserting that no one should be above the law. The Trump administration also announced a policy to block US foreign aid from funding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, affecting approximately $30 billion in assistance.
