Minnesota workers press employers to respond to ICE operations

Unions and workers across Minnesota have been urging large employers to speak out after the reported deaths of two people linked to federal immigration enforcement, and organised a Day of Truth & Freedom that included an economic blackout calling for no work, shopping or school.

Workers in Minnesota have been pressing major employers to take public positions after the reported killing of Renee Good and the subsequent death of Alex Jeffrey Pretti. Labor unions, community leaders and faith groups organised a Day of Truth & Freedom that called for an economic blackout of no work, no shopping and no school. Organisers say they targeted large companies to demand limits on ICE activity at workplaces and removal of the agency from the state. Responses from targeted companies and federal officials have been mixed. Key developments: - Unions and workers organised protests and a January 23 economic blackout to press employers over ICE operations in Minnesota. - Companies named by organisers include Target, Home Depot, Enterprise, Delta, Hilton and DR Horton; organisers say some workers sent letters or delivered petitions to corporate offices. - Target reportedly met with clergy and updated internal guidance on immigration-related contacts; Hilton said some hotel closures followed safety concerns and its CEO framed closures as security matters. - A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticised the labour and community actions and cited photos they said showed arrests; organisers and workers say ICE operations have disrupted construction and other work. Summary: The protests and organised blackout have increased public pressure on major employers to respond and prompted a range of company reactions and public statements. Undetermined at this time.