Small Businesses in Detroit Join Nationwide Strike Against ICE Crackdown
As the nation stood in solidarity with Minnesota protesters against the Trump administration's deadly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown, businesses across the Detroit area closed their doors on Friday. The move was part of a National Shutdown Day general strike, designed to pressure lawmakers to take action against what organizers call "Trump's racist agenda."
The protests in Minnesota have been fierce and peaceful, with thousands taking to the streets to decry the agency's actions. Two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by ICE agents in recent weeks, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.
In Detroit, small business owners took a stand against ICE's aggressive tactics, using social media to announce their closure on Friday. The move was seen as a show of solidarity with the protests in Minnesota, where business owners have been using creative methods to express their opposition, from donating revenue to immigrant advocacy groups to explicitly rejecting ICE's values.
"I will not abandon our teammates," said one business owner, who shared a bold and unapologetic message on social media. "FUCK ICE."
Others took a more measured approach, expressing solidarity with the protesters while still choosing to stay open for business. A cafe in Corktown posted a statement of support, emphasizing the importance of safety and community.
"We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by what's occurring with ICE," the post read. "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."
While some businesses chose to participate in the strike, others used their platforms to amplify the message of resistance. As the movement continues to gain momentum, one thing is clear: small businesses across Detroit will not be silenced.
In the midst of this national crisis, it's heartening to see local business owners using their voices and actions to push for change. Whether through closure or creative expression, these small but powerful gestures of defiance are a testament to the enduring power of community and activism in the face of adversity.
As the nation stood in solidarity with Minnesota protesters against the Trump administration's deadly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) crackdown, businesses across the Detroit area closed their doors on Friday. The move was part of a National Shutdown Day general strike, designed to pressure lawmakers to take action against what organizers call "Trump's racist agenda."
The protests in Minnesota have been fierce and peaceful, with thousands taking to the streets to decry the agency's actions. Two protesters, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by ICE agents in recent weeks, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.
In Detroit, small business owners took a stand against ICE's aggressive tactics, using social media to announce their closure on Friday. The move was seen as a show of solidarity with the protests in Minnesota, where business owners have been using creative methods to express their opposition, from donating revenue to immigrant advocacy groups to explicitly rejecting ICE's values.
"I will not abandon our teammates," said one business owner, who shared a bold and unapologetic message on social media. "FUCK ICE."
Others took a more measured approach, expressing solidarity with the protesters while still choosing to stay open for business. A cafe in Corktown posted a statement of support, emphasizing the importance of safety and community.
"We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by what's occurring with ICE," the post read. "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."
While some businesses chose to participate in the strike, others used their platforms to amplify the message of resistance. As the movement continues to gain momentum, one thing is clear: small businesses across Detroit will not be silenced.
In the midst of this national crisis, it's heartening to see local business owners using their voices and actions to push for change. Whether through closure or creative expression, these small but powerful gestures of defiance are a testament to the enduring power of community and activism in the face of adversity.
. Like, what's next? Everyone else joining in? It's crazy how it started with just one guy saying he won't abandon his "teammates" on social media and now whole neighborhoods are taking a stand against ICE. Small businesses might be the most powerful thing right now 
they're speaking truth to power & showing up for their communities in the biggest way possible 
i mean, who needs some corporate giant's statement when u got a whole city of passionate business owners makin moves & standin tall 
this strike is more than just a protest it's a declaration of solidarity & a reminder that activism can come from anywhere 
keep shinin' bright detroit!!! 
OMG I'm literally so proud of all these small businesses in Detroit who joined forces with the nationwide strike against ICE's crackdown 
! It's not just about business owners showing solidarity, it's about using their platforms to make a difference 
. I mean, who needs corporate sponsors when you've got your community on your side? 
Their messages of support and defiance are everything – let's keep the momentum going! 
just saw that all those small businesses in detroit shut down their doors on friday in support of the national shutdown day general strike against ice crackdown... i think its amazing how these business owners took a stand like that 
. i mean, who doesn't love a good show of community support 
It's amazing to see local business owners standing up for what they believe in, even if it means risking their livelihoods 
#NotSilentNoMore #CommunityOverProfit 
The way small businesses are using social media to express their opposition is so inspiring 
From bold statements to creative expressions of support, it's clear that community activism is here to stay 
i mean we all know ICE is a total joke but it's still dope 2 see small business owners standin up 4 what's right 
and i love the creative ways they're expressin themselves 
... "We stand in solidarity with all those impacted by what's occurring with ICE"... yeah, sure, but what's the plan for after the shutdown? Are they just gonna magically find a way to make up for lost revenue? I'm not hating on the cause or anything, but I think we need to think this one through before making any more dramatic moves 
. Like, no, dude, you were trying to arrest a 17-yr-old for walking home from school 
. I mean, think about it, schools have spirit weeks where everyone comes together to show their support, and now businesses are doing something similar but for a bigger cause! It's amazing to see how people can come together like that.
As students, we know the importance of having our voices heard and standing up for what we believe in. It's giving us hope that maybe one day we'll see more changes in our community.
remember how they all came together to support local artists? now its about supporting each other against ICE's crackdown 
it's really beautiful to see these business owners using their voices and actions to push for change, like those activist coffee shops back in the day that would only use fair-trade beans 
or those record stores that would host protests against apartheid 
I'm not sure about this whole strike thing... I mean, I get it, ICE's actions can be pretty rough, but do we really need to shut down businesses? Like, what about all the people who rely on those businesses for their livelihoods? 
