A Minnesota faculty union is calling for a statewide “economic blackout” on January 23, asking participants to refrain from work, classes, and consumer spending to protest federal immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis. The action centers on opposition to recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the area and reflects growing political engagement within higher education.
The call was issued by the Inter Faculty Organization, which represents faculty across the Minnesota State university system. In a message sent to members, union leadership encouraged professors to take personal leave or alter class schedules in order to participate. The union described ICE activity as disruptive to local communities and framed the blackout as a collective response to federal enforcement actions.
Organizers have connected the protest to a broader coalition of community and faith-based groups promoting January 23 as a day of reduced economic activity. Participants are encouraged to avoid shopping and, where possible, pause normal work or academic routines. Some faculty members have also been encouraged to hold classroom discussions related to immigration policy and civil liberties.
The blackout follows heightened public attention on ICE operations in Minneapolis, including a fatal encounter between federal agents and a local resident. Federal authorities have stated the shooting occurred during a lawful operation and have characterized the agent’s actions as self-defense. The incident has prompted protests and legal challenges from state and local officials.
Supporters of the blackout argue it is a peaceful way to express concern over immigration enforcement practices. Critics, including some within higher education, have raised questions about the impact on students and whether union-led protests should affect instruction at public universities.
The planned action underscores ongoing debate over the role of academic institutions and faculty unions in responding to national policy disputes, particularly when those disputes intersect with federal law enforcement and campus operations.
