Detroit Small Businesses Join Nationwide Strike in Solidarity with ICE Protests, Amid Minnesota Crackdowns.
As the nation observed National Shutdown Day on Friday, Detroit-area small businesses joined a nationwide strike in solidarity with protests against the Trump administration's deadly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown in Minnesota. The strikes were sparked by the deaths of two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by ICE agents in recent weeks.
The National Shutdown website described the ICE crackdown as a "racist agenda" that was "kidnapping our neighbors and sowing fear" across the country. In response, thousands of people took to the streets in Minnesota to protest against the agency's actions, with many more joining the strike from Detroit.
A number of local businesses took to social media to announce their participation in the strike, including Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, City Bird, the Grand Porter, 27th Letter Books, Reware Vintage, and Witch House Tattoo. These businesses vowed to close their doors on Friday in solidarity with the protesters, citing a desire to stand up against what they described as "racist terrorist organization" ICE.
On the other hand, some local businesses chose to remain open but posted messages of solidarity with the protesters. Folk, a Corktown cafe and market, announced that it would be remaining open despite its commitment to standing in solidarity with those impacted by ICE's actions.
Moondog Cafe, another Detroit business, vowed to remain open but pledged to donate a portion of its sales to local immigrant aid organizations, stating "WE ARE TOGETHER." In contrast, some businesses took a more confrontational approach, using social media to declare their opposition to ICE and its policies, with one stating "FUCK ICE."
As the nation observed National Shutdown Day, Detroit's small businesses joined a growing chorus of voices calling for an end to ICE's deadly crackdowns. The strike marked a significant show of solidarity among local businesses and protesters, highlighting the widespread concern over ICE's actions and the administration's policies on immigration.
As the nation observed National Shutdown Day on Friday, Detroit-area small businesses joined a nationwide strike in solidarity with protests against the Trump administration's deadly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown in Minnesota. The strikes were sparked by the deaths of two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by ICE agents in recent weeks.
The National Shutdown website described the ICE crackdown as a "racist agenda" that was "kidnapping our neighbors and sowing fear" across the country. In response, thousands of people took to the streets in Minnesota to protest against the agency's actions, with many more joining the strike from Detroit.
A number of local businesses took to social media to announce their participation in the strike, including Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, City Bird, the Grand Porter, 27th Letter Books, Reware Vintage, and Witch House Tattoo. These businesses vowed to close their doors on Friday in solidarity with the protesters, citing a desire to stand up against what they described as "racist terrorist organization" ICE.
On the other hand, some local businesses chose to remain open but posted messages of solidarity with the protesters. Folk, a Corktown cafe and market, announced that it would be remaining open despite its commitment to standing in solidarity with those impacted by ICE's actions.
Moondog Cafe, another Detroit business, vowed to remain open but pledged to donate a portion of its sales to local immigrant aid organizations, stating "WE ARE TOGETHER." In contrast, some businesses took a more confrontational approach, using social media to declare their opposition to ICE and its policies, with one stating "FUCK ICE."
As the nation observed National Shutdown Day, Detroit's small businesses joined a growing chorus of voices calling for an end to ICE's deadly crackdowns. The strike marked a significant show of solidarity among local businesses and protesters, highlighting the widespread concern over ICE's actions and the administration's policies on immigration.