A coalition of seven grocery stores in the Twin Cities area will be closed Friday as part of a strike and economic blackout protesting the Trump administration’s escalating immigration crackdown across Minnesota.
A spokesperson for Mississippi Market Co-op announced Monday that its three locations in St. Paul are participating in the effort, known as a “ICE Out MN: Day of Truth and Freedom,” along with the two Wedge Community Co-ops in Minneapolis, Eastside Food Co-op in Minneapolis, and River Market Co-op in Stillwater.
Employees who are scheduled to work Friday will still receive pay.
Sign up for our BREAKING NEWS newsletters
Mississippi Market Co-op
Mississippi Market Co-op | Facebook
“As a cooperative, we believe our shared labor, time, and economic participation are powerful tools. Along with communities across Minnesota, we are taking unified action with no work, no school, and no shopping to show we will not quietly endure fear and violence in our communities,” the grocery stores said in a statement.
“This coordinated statewide pause reflects our commitment to democratic action, mutual responsibility, and concern for our communities. Acting together is one way we live our cooperative values. We stand with those calling for justice and demand ICE leave Minnesota now.”
A growing number of small businesses are participating in the general strike, with many closing in solidarity and others staying open to serve as a communal space or to raise money for nonprofits.
As well as staying off work, participants are also being encouraged by faith leaders not to spend any money, describing it as an “economic blackout.”
Minnesota’s largest companies have been quiet in response to the ongoing crackdown by the Trump administration, with Target criticized because federal agents have been staging in its parking lots and entering its stores, like in Richfield, where ICE agents arrested two employees who are U.S. citizens.
