A wave of protests, dubbed a “National Shutdown,” is gaining momentum, spearheaded by student groups at the University of Minnesota and amplified by activist organizations nationwide. The core demand: an end to federal immigration enforcement and justice for two individuals recently killed in confrontations with law enforcement.
The movement originated following the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both vocal opponents of ICE. Good was fatally shot earlier this month after authorities say she drove her vehicle toward an ICE agent during an encounter. Pretti was killed during a struggle with Border Patrol agents, reportedly while armed with a handgun.
University of Minnesota’s Black Student Union is a leading force, actively encouraging participation through online platforms. They, alongside the Somali, Ethiopian, and Liberian Student Associations, are calling for a complete disruption of daily life – no work, no school, and no shopping – as a demonstration of collective power.
The call to action isn’t limited to Minnesota. Organizations across the country, including Black Lives Matter Detroit and the LA Tenants Union, have voiced their support and pledged to participate in the “National Shutdown.” The goal is to create widespread visibility and pressure for systemic change.
Adding complexity to the situation, groups with controversial affiliations have also endorsed the event. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), labeled a terror group in some states, and the Palestinian Youth Movement are among those lending their support, highlighting the diverse range of motivations driving the protests.
Organizers are framing the shutdown as a direct challenge to political compromise. They argue that negotiations to fund ICE, even with minor reforms, are insufficient and that only overwhelming public pressure can force meaningful change. The message is clear: abolition, not moderation, is the desired outcome.
Rapid response networks, like the group 50501, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) are actively mobilizing participants, boasting about planned walkouts at hundreds of schools. They see the student-led movement as a catalyst for broader resistance against immigration enforcement.
The PSL specifically highlighted the courage of students taking “bold action” against what they describe as a “racist deportation machine.” They believe that the recent events, rather than deterring activists, have only strengthened the resolve of the movement and expanded its reach.
The planned disruptions represent a significant escalation in protests against ICE, fueled by grief, anger, and a deep-seated belief in the need for radical change. The coming days will reveal the extent of the “National Shutdown” and its impact on the national conversation surrounding immigration policy.
