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Business Strikes and Protests Target ICE Operations in Minnesota

Truth Sleuth

Truth Sleuth

— 2 min read
Business Strikes and Protests Target ICE Operations in Minnesota

Lead: More than 700 Minnesota businesses and organizations launched an "economic blackout" on January 23 to protest federal immigration enforcement actions amid a life-threatening winter storm. The demonstrations follow the resignation of an FBI agent investigating a fatal ICE shooting and public outcry over the detention of a 5-year-old child.

What we know

  • More than 700 small businesses, faith organizations, and educators in Minneapolis-St. Paul closed operations to protest a weekslong enforcement surge by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SOURCE.
  • Protesters blocked streets in the Twin Cities, and law enforcement reported arrests during an "ICE Out" demonstration at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport SOURCE SOURCE.
  • FBI agent Tracee Mergen resigned from the Department of Justice following an attempt to investigate an ICE officer involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Good SOURCE.
  • A Homeland Security official, Mr. Bovino, stated that ICE and Border Patrol are "experts in dealing with children" following the circulation of an image showing a 5-year-old child detained near Minneapolis SOURCE.
  • The National Weather Service issued alerts for a winter storm moving across 18 states, warning that "extremely dangerous" temperatures pose a lethal risk of hypothermia SOURCE SOURCE.
  • TikTok updated its U.S. privacy policy to include more extensive data collection, including precise location and third-party site activity, following its transition to majority U.S. ownership SOURCE SOURCE.
  • Researchers have developed a filtration method that destroys PFAS "forever chemicals" at 100 times the rate of existing systems SOURCE.
  • Connectivity provider STL reported Q3 FY'26 revenues of INR 1,257 Cr, marking an approximate 26% year-over-year increase SOURCE.

What we don’t know yet

  • It is unconfirmed whether the Department of Justice will appoint a successor to lead the investigation into the Renee Good shooting.
  • The specific end date for the current ICE enforcement surge in Minnesota has not been disclosed by federal authorities.
  • The exact number of individuals currently detained or arrested during the Twin Cities protests has not been finalized by local or federal police.

Why it matters

  • The strike combined with severe weather has halted commercial activity in a major metropolitan hub.
  • Internal conflict between the FBI and ICE suggests friction regarding federal law enforcement oversight and accountability.
  • Plunging temperatures create a high-risk environment for protesters and vulnerable populations outdoors.
  • TikTok’s policy shift changes the data-sharing landscape for millions of American users under its new ownership structure.

What’s next

  • Strike organizers have called for participants to remain home and avoid shopping through the conclusion of Friday’s action.
  • Minneapolis-St. Paul residents are advised to monitor the status of transit, museums, and places of worship due to weather and strike-related closures.
  • Growth in PFAS destruction technology may lead to new regulatory standards for water treatment.
  • ChatGPT is expected to implement new age-verification software to identify and monitor users under 18.
  • The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) faces potential scrutiny following public comments from Chairperson Kirk Milhoan regarding vaccine science.

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