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Several groups of students at the University of Minnesota are conducting what they call a “National shutdown” to protest the enforcement of federal immigration laws, and they are joined by far-left radicals from across the country.
On its Instagram page, the university’s Black Student Union posted a message directing others to a web page called nationalshutdown.us, where they can support the day of action. Protesters refuse to go to work and school on Friday and also promise not to go shopping.
“The only way we can get justice for Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and the countless people murdered by ICE is if there is a nationwide shutdown,” he said. Instagram post said. “NO WORK. NO SCHOOL. NO SHOPPING. VOTE NO TO ICE FUNDING.”
The site, nationalshutdown.us, points to a different domain, nationalshutdown.org. According to domain records, this site appeared on Monday. Information about the person who purchased the domain is redacted.
ICE agents stand at the scene where a woman was fatally shot earlier in the day during an enforcement operation on January 7, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Christopher Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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The Black Student Union is at the top of the list of supporters for the day of action, along with the Somali Student Association, the Ethiopian Student Association and the school’s Liberian Student Association. The University of Minnesota Graduate Labor Union also supported the event.
The “National Shutdown” is motivated by shootings over the death of anti-ICE agitators Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Good was shot and killed earlier this month by an ICE agent while she monitored federal law enforcement in her vehicle. During a confrontation with law enforcement, she drove her car toward the ICE agent, who opened fire.
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Pretti, who had disrupted the police on at least one other occasion before his death, fought with Border Patrol agents before being shot and killed last Saturday. He was then armed with a handgun.
The Somali Students Association tirelessly promoted Friday’s action on social networks all week.
“This Friday, we’re going to stop it. Join us in the streets of Minneapolis, at Government Plaza, at 2 p.m.! We’re calling on everyone across the country to join us. ICE OUT OF MINNESOTA! JUSTICE FOR RENEE NICOLE GOOD! JUSTICE FOR ALEX PRETTI!” says a message.
An email sent Friday morning by the shutdown organizers demanded the removal of ICE.
A man, who appears to be Alex Pretti, was seen in a new video kicking and spitting at a law enforcement vehicle. (The information movement)
“Only the power of the people can force Trump to back down,” the message said. “Politicians in Washington would rather abandon behind-the-scenes deals to fund ICE in exchange for minor reforms. But today, in overwhelming numbers, people across the country will take to the streets and demand the abolition of this instrument of terror.”
But groups across the country have also pledged to join the effort.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), designated as a terrorist group in Florida and Texas, supported the event, along with Black Lives Matter Detroit and the LA Tenants Union. The same goes for the Palestinian Youth Movement and the ANSWER Coalition, two nationally renowned far-left groups.
50501, a well-organized national “rapid response” group, also supported the action. This group, along with the Radical Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), posted messages on social media about the event.
“Student groups, faith-based and community organizations came together to call for a shutdown this Friday, not only in the Twin Cities but across the country, to end ICE’s terror and demand justice for Renee and Alex!” said PSL on Instagram postby tagging 50501. “We support this call with all our weight and encourage all people of conscience to take to the streets this Friday!”
Protesters demonstrate in front of the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building on January 9, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
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In another article, PSL Twin Cities boasted that “students are leading the way in taking bold action against ICE, CBP, and the racist deportation machine’s occupation of our communities.”
“In fact, fear tactics have only furthered the movement,” the post continues. “Hundreds of schools will hold protests on Friday, January 30 in response to the call for a “NOT BUSINESS AS USUAL” day led by Minnesota’s Somali and Black student organizations.”
The University of Minnesota did not respond to a request for comment.
