Photo: Protestors demonstrate at the intersection of Highway 61 and Wisconsin Street in downtown Grand Marais. Boreal Community Media

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - January 23, 2026

ICE Out of Minnesota Day of Truth & Freedom is a statewide day of action in Minnesota taking place today, Friday, January 23. The economic strike is organized by ISAIAH, the nonprofit coalition of Minnesota faith and community groups, and numerous unions. Described by organizers as a day of "non-violent moral action, reflection, and collective effort," the event centers on an economic blackout, including "No Work, No School, No Shopping" to demonstrate the impact of the "immigrant community and its supporters on the state's economy."

According to the movement's official website, the action is a response to "Operation Metro Surge," a federal immigration enforcement initiative that began in December 2025, as well as the killing of Renee Nicole Good. Additionally, they state that the movement aims to address what it says are "violations of constitutional and human rights by federal immigration authorities." The group outlines several specific demands, including the immediate departure of ICE from Minnesota, legal accountability for the officer involved in the death of Renee Nicole Good, and a freeze on federal funding for ICE in the upcoming Congressional budget. Additionally, the group seeks an investigation into the agency regarding alleged human rights abuses.

Despite frigid actual air temperatures and wind chills, rallies, marches, and protests are scheduled throughout the day around the state, including in Cook County at the intersection of Highway 61 and Wisconsin Street at 2 p.m. This coincides with a large march planned in downtown Minneapolis at the same time. Multiple local businesses and organizations join the hundreds of others across the state, closing in solidarity. 

In response to the protests and criticism of Operation Metro Surge, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem has maintained that its agents are taking "appropriate and constitutional measures" to uphold the law and protect the public from "dangerous rioters." Federal officials state the surge is necessary to address public safety threats and fraud.

The operation faces a legal challenge from the Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, who filed a federal lawsuit on January 12 to halt the surge. The lawsuit alleges that federal operations violate the Tenth Amendment and have forced local law enforcement to divert resources.