News - Detroit small businesses strike in solidarity against ICE crackdown.

In a bold stand against the Trump administration's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, numerous small businesses in the Detroit area shut their doors on Friday as part of a National Shutdown Day. This movement was sparked by protests in Minnesota, where ICE's aggressive measures have faced mounting opposition following the deaths of protestors Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of ICE agents. The National Shutdown Day was organized to draw attention to what many describe as aggressive and inhumane immigration policies. The National Shutdown website stated, "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!" Businesses like Library Street Collective, Drifter Coffee, City Bird, the Grand Porter, 27th Letter Books, Reware Vintage, and Witch House Tattoo closed their operations to participate in the strike. Meanwhile, others remained open but expressed allegiance to the cause. Corktown cafe and market Folk, while choosing to stay open, voiced their commitment on Instagram, stating, "We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by what's occurring with ICE. We will continue showing up to care for our neighbors, our team, and to provide a safe space for our community where all are welcome to commune and connect." Moondog Cafe, located on the west side of the city, also stayed in operation but criticized ICE as a "racist terrorist organization" and committed to donating a portion of its sales to local mutual aid organizations. Their message to patrons was clear: "WE ARE TOGETHER." Furthermore, Trinsophes, a downtown cafe and music venue, held a planned concert with the promise that concession sales would support the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. The protest actions reveal deep-rooted frustration with national immigration policies and highlight the values of community support and inclusivity held by these businesses. As voices collectively rise to signal dissent against ICE, it underscores a growing movement towards protecting immigrant communities from federal immigration enforcement.