Demonstrations intensify in Minneapolis as protesters clash with ICE
Protests in Minneapolis escalated as thousands clash with ICE over enforcement tactics after fatal shooting.
- Several Gainesville, Florida, businesses are closing on Jan. 30 in solidarity with a nationwide protest against ICE.
- The national shutdown is a response to recent fatal shootings by federal agents in Minnesota.
- Organizers are asking people to skip work and school on Jan. 30 and protest on Jan. 31.
As part of a planned nationwide protest in response to recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minnesota, several Gainesville businesses will close in solidarity on Jan. 30.
Businesses that have announced they will be closed on Jan. 30 include Humble Wood Fire, The Lynx Bookstore, Serpentine Plants + Provisions, and Afternoon Restaurant. Boca Fiesta plans to close for lunch service in support of “our community” but will be open from 4 to 11 p.m. that evening.
Humble Wood Fire Pizzeria located in South Main Station announced on social media on Jan. 29 that it and its bagel shop in the 4th Ave Food Park be closed in support of the protest.
“In a small act of solidarity, both of our locations will be closed tomorrow in support of the national days of action to resist against ICE and the evil policies of this administration that jeopardize us all,” the post says.
With Mae Powell’s “F*** I.C.E” playing in the background, The Lynx bookstore’s Jan. 28 Instagram story says it will close in support of “our neighbors” in Minnesota.
“Withholding our labor and capital is one of the most effective forms of collective protest, if your circumstances permit, we urge you to join us,” The Lynx’s Instagram says.
On Jan. 28, Serpentine Plants and Provisions, 209 NW 10th Ave., posted on Instagram that it will be closed for business on Jan. 30, except for a previously scheduled wine-tasting fundraiser.
Serpentine said 100% of the proceeds for the fundraiser will be donated to a local immigrant safety fund that “helps families affected by detention and deportation with legal fees, rent assistance and trauma therapy.”
“Plants are political and this space has always been rooted in care, community and people over profit,” the post says. “If you’re striking for the day, we’ll see you out there. If you need connection afterward, we’ll be here. Grateful for this community, always.”
A protest against ICE will be held Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. at the corner of 13th Street and University Avenue.
Then, on Jan 31, Gainesville will see an “Abolish ICE Now” protest from 10 a.m. to noon at The Oaks Mall, 6419 W. Newberry Road. That night, a candlelight vigil will also take place at 7 p.m. in Cora Roberson Park, 600 SW Sixth St.,”for the GNV community to honor the lives of all who have suffered at the hands of ICE brutality.”
In an effort to speak out against recent immigration enforcement actions taking place across the country, organizers of the nationwide shutdown event are asking Americans to skip work and school while refraining from doing any shopping on Jan. 30 and take to the streets in protest on Jan. 31.
“Every day, ICE, Border Patrol and other enforcers of Trump’s racist agenda are going into our communities to kidnap our neighbors and sow fear. It is time for us to all stand up together in a nationwide shutdown and say enough is enough!” the national shutdown website said.
The national shutdown website attributes the response due to the recent killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
USA Today reported that Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The shooting came amid ICE action in Minneapolis, Minnesota, when the 37-year-old mother of three drove her SUV forward near Ross after being told to exit her vehicle. Widely seen footage of the deadly encounter has sharply divided the country.
Pretti was shot and killed during a confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis on Jan. 24, USA Today reported. Federal officials have alleged Pretti was carrying a gun he intended to use to “kill law enforcement.”
Videos from bystanders — and a witness account in court filings — do not show Pretti brandishing a weapon when he approached agents.
— Elliot Tritto is a reporter for The Gainesville Sun. Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Network’s New York Connect Team.
