Local businesses announce support for Day of Truth and Freedom economic pause
What began as a call for a day of economic inactivity from a group of faith leaders, activists, and labor unions in the Twin Cities Metro has grown into a statewide action.
The Day of Truth and Freedom, what some have described as a strike, aims to bring additional attention to opposition to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in the state. Clashes between ICE and protesters have increased following the Jan. 7 killing of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, and Twin Cities residents report increasing levels of chaos.
The tactics used by federal agents have been polarizing, and while they have been defended by the White House and Department of Homeland Security, ICE has faced sharp criticism from some elected officials in Minnesota, and most recently, law enforcement leadership in the Twin Cities.
On Jan 13., an interdenominational group of faith leaders announced that they were asking those who oppose ICE’s presence and actions in the Twin Cities and beyond to refrain from economic activities on Jan. 23. The ICE Out of Minnesota website calls for “No work. No school. No shopping.”
ICE Out of Minnesota described the day, writing, “It is time to suspend the normal order of business to demand immediate cessation of ICE actions in MN, accountability for federal agents who have caused loss of life and abuse to Minnesota residents and call for Congress to immediately intervene.”
The organization stated that the economic blackout aimed to highlight the collective power of those who oppose federal actions in the state. According to their website, “Minnesotans will spend time with family, neighbors, and their community to show Minnesota’s moral heart and collective economic power.”
The one-day strike has been endorsed by faith organizations across the Metro and the state, and by some labor unions, as well. This includes the St. Paul Federation of Educators, Minneapolis Federation of Educators, Service Employees International Union, and the United Auto Workers. A slew of Metro area businesses have announced their plan to close, in addition to some businesses in Greater Minnesota.
Locally, a number of Cook County businesses have announced their plans to close on Jan. 23 as part of the strike. On their social media, Joy & Co. posted a statement, which read, “As a creative community space, we believe in showing up for the people who make this place vibrant. Closing for the day is our way of showing up for that collective moment of care, reflection, and solidarity.”
The Angry Trout will also be closed. A statement on their social media read, “This decision was not made lightly, but reflects our deep commitment to supporting our team and community during this sensitive time. We stand in solidarity with those affected by these actions and prioritize creating a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.”
Co-owner Jessy Goble also shared an additional statement with media. She wrote, “We have many amazing foreign students who are a part of the Trout whom we consider to be family. Supporting them and the rest of our staff is our top priority. If closing for a day is a way to bring awareness to the jeopardization of human rights that is currently happening in Minnesota, then that is a no brainer for us. This isn’t an issue of politics to us, but one of human rights.”
Betsy Bowen Studio, Scruffy Dog Vintage Emporium, North Roads Knits, and Points Unknown also announced a closure for the day, both stating “in solidarity.” Points Unknown did specify, however, that reservations made previously for dog sled experiences scheduled for Friday would still be honored.
Java Moose is also planning to close on Friday. On Instagram, owner Sarah Jorgensen-Halberg said “our community far exceeds Grand Marais and Cook County. And we’re very grateful for that. And that being said, we need to stand up and support our fellow Minnesotans.”
The Big Lake and Lady Superior Bottle Shop announced through social media that both businesses would be closed. The post read, in part, “We are proud to raise our voices against violence. We are proud to unify for the good. And we are so, so proud to be Minnesotans.”
An Instagram post from UpState MN also expressed pride in being Minnesotan. It stated that the business would close, “with LOVE for our neighbors living in fear. With LOVE for those fighting the GOOD fight. With LOVE for you.”
In a press release, Drury Lane Books announced not only a closure on Jan. 23, but also a pledge that a portion of all sales on Saturday, when the shop is open again, will be donated to the Immigrant Defense Network.
Up the Gunflint Trail, Poplar Haus announced that the restaurant would be closed. A post on their social media read, “What we do want is our friends, neighbors & colleagues to know that we stand in solidarity during the general strike in Minneapolis as well as in greater Minnesota. While this chaos is not (currently) on our doorstep, or in our beautiful wilderness, we feel what YOU are feeling, and see what YOU are seeing.” The statement concluded, “One things for sure…There is more good than bad in the world if you just choose to look for it.”
The economic pause coincides with extreme cold in the weather forecast, and several businesses and organizations have already announced their intention to close on Friday due to the weather.
Kirsten Wisniewski January 22, 2026
