Conflicts

Activists Call for 'National Shutdown' Protest Against ICE Following Minneapolis Deaths

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Jan 30, 2026

THE BARE STORY

Organizers have called for a nationwide "National Shutdown" protest on Friday, urging participants to abstain from work, school, and shopping to oppose Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed support for the demonstration but stated that her congressional office would remain open to handle constituent services and immigration cases.

The call to action follows the recent fatal shootings of two individuals by federal agents in Minneapolis. On January 24, Alex Pretti was killed by Border Patrol agents. While reports indicate Pretti was recording operations at the time, other accounts describe the incident as interference with enforcement. On January 7, Renee Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer. The Department of Homeland Security stated the officer fired in self-defense after Good allegedly used a vehicle in a threatening manner.

In parallel with the protests, advocacy groups including JVP Action and the Detention Watch Network lobbied senators to oppose funding for ICE and Customs and Border Protection. On Thursday, the Senate failed to advance a related legislative package, making a partial government shutdown likely by Saturday. However, reports indicate that ICE is expected to remain operational due to funding provisions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" signed by President Donald Trump.

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• Justifications regarding the use of force The Department of Homeland Security stated that the officer who shot Renee Good did so in self-defense after Good allegedly used a vehicle in a threatening manner. Regarding the death of Alex Pretti, accounts exist describing the incident as interference with enforcement rather than merely recording.

• ICE operations secured by existing legislation Despite the Senate failing to advance a legislative package and the likelihood of a partial government shutdown, ICE is expected to continue functioning. Reports indicate the agency remains funded through provisions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" signed by President Donald Trump.

• Maintenance of essential government services While expressing support for the protest, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez clarified that she would not be shutting down her own operations. Her congressional office is set to remain open to ensure constituent services and immigration cases continue to be handled.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader: You may encounter closures or reduced staffing at businesses and schools on Friday due to calls for a nationwide strike to protest ICE operations.

Federal services could be disrupted as a partial government shutdown appears likely to begin Saturday following the Senate's failure to advance a funding package.

Immigration enforcement activities are expected to continue regardless of a government shutdown, as ICE remains funded through provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Communities may witness increased public demonstrations or civil unrest following reports of fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis.

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