Twin Cities Museums Close in Solidarity with Immigrant Communities Amid ICE Protest
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — In a coordinated demonstration against federal immigration enforcement, several prominent museums across the Twin Cities shuttered their doors on Friday, joining a broader economic shutdown aimed at protesting policies implemented by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency under the Trump administration. The closures, which included the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Children’s Museum, were part of a statewide strike that also saw dozens of small businesses such as restaurants and coffee shops temporarily cease operations. Organizers called for a “no work, no school, no shopping” day to highlight solidarity with immigrant communities affected by ICE enforcement actions.
The protest culminated in a rally scheduled for 2 p.m. in downtown Minneapolis, where demonstrators voiced opposition to what they describe as harsh immigration policies targeting undocumented individuals. The museums cited their closures as an act of support for the region’s immigrant populations, emphasizing the cultural and social contributions these communities make to Minnesota.
The strike is part of a larger movement challenging the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement, which has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and local officials alike. The Department of Homeland Security maintains that ICE’s focus remains on individuals who pose threats to public safety and national security, a stance reiterated in prior statements from the agency. However, opponents argue that the policies have led to widespread fear and disruption within immigrant communities.
The museums’ participation in the shutdown reflects a growing trend among cultural institutions to engage in social and political issues affecting their communities. By closing their doors, these institutions aimed to send a message of unity and resistance against policies perceived as unjust. The Science Museum of Minnesota explicitly stated its closure was “in solidarity” with the area’s immigrant residents, underscoring the role of museums not only as educational spaces but also as advocates for social justice.
Local businesses joining the strike expressed similar sentiments, highlighting the economic and human impact of immigration enforcement. The coordinated action across multiple sectors of the Twin Cities economy sought to amplify the voices of those calling for reform and to draw national attention to the ongoing debate over immigration policy.
For more information on immigration enforcement and community responses, resources are available from the American Civil Liberties Union and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which provide insight into the complexities of immigration law and enforcement in the United States.
The protest on Friday marks one of the most visible local responses to federal immigration policies in recent years, illustrating the intersection of cultural institutions, community activism, and political discourse in the Twin Cities and beyond.
Leave a Reply