Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota – Faith leaders across Minnesota announced plans for a large-scale day of protest and civic action on Friday, Jan. 23, with hundreds of places of worship expected to participate in a coordinated anti-ICE rally and work stoppage. Organizers say the effort, called A Day of Truth and Freedom, is aimed at opposing federal immigration enforcement operations in the state.
The day will include calls for residents to not work, shop, or attend school, along with a major march and rally in downtown Minneapolis beginning Friday afternoon.
Incident Overview
At a news conference held Tuesday in the Twin Cities, clergy members and organizers confirmed that faith institutions from across Minnesota are preparing to take part in the coordinated action. The event is being organized by Isaiah, a St. Paul-based nonprofit, in collaboration with religious leaders, labor unions, and local businesses.
Organizers say the demonstration is meant to apply moral and economic pressure on state and federal leaders by highlighting the impact of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operations on immigrant communities.
Timeline of Events
The Day of Truth and Freedom is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 23, with actions taking place throughout the day across Minnesota.
The central public demonstration will begin at 2 p.m. with a march and rally in downtown Minneapolis, where faith leaders, workers, educators, and community members are expected to gather. In addition to the rally, organizers are urging participants to remain home from work, school, and commercial activity as a show of solidarity.
Details From Faith Leaders and Organizers
According to a spokesperson for Isaiah, clergy members say they feel a moral responsibility to speak out against what they describe as ongoing violations of civil liberties.
“As leaders in their community, clergy are bearing witness to the constitutional and human rights violations happening on a daily basis in our state and communities as a result of DHS operations,” the spokesperson said in a written statement.
The organization has been coordinating with congregations across multiple faith traditions, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and interfaith communities.
Key Facts About the Day of Action
- Event name: A Day of Truth and Freedom
- Date: Friday, Jan. 23
- Main rally location: Downtown Minneapolis
- Rally start time: 2 p.m.
- Participants: Hundreds of Minnesota places of worship
- Primary demand: Immediate end to ICE operations in Minnesota
Voices From the Rally Organizers
One of the strongest statements came from Minister JaNaé Bates Imari, co-executive director of Isaiah, who addressed ICE directly during the news conference.
“ICE, you may go in peace. You surely couldn’t stay in peace, and so we are asking that you leave in peace,” Imari said.
Clergy members present emphasized that their participation is rooted in faith teachings about justice, dignity, and protection of vulnerable communities.
Support From Businesses and Labor Unions
Organizers confirmed that several Twin Cities businesses and food cooperatives plan to close for the day in solidarity with the action. In addition, multiple labor organizations have endorsed the event.
Unions backing the Day of Truth and Freedom include:
- St. Paul Federation of Educators
- Minneapolis Federation of Educators
- Unite Here Local 17
- SEIU Local 26
- Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU)
Union leaders say participation underscores concerns about workplace raids, family separations, and the impact of immigration enforcement on workers and students.
Broader Context and Community Impact
Faith leaders argue that ICE enforcement has created fear within immigrant communities, discouraging people from attending school, seeking medical care, or reporting crimes. By calling for a coordinated pause in daily activity, organizers say they aim to demonstrate how deeply immigrants are woven into Minnesota’s economy and civic life.
They also emphasize that the event is peaceful and focused on awareness, not confrontation.
Conclusion
With hundreds of congregations, multiple labor unions, and local businesses participating, the Jan. 23 Day of Truth and Freedom is shaping up to be one of the largest faith-led protests against immigration enforcement in Minnesota in recent years. Organizers say the action is intended to amplify moral opposition to ICE operations while encouraging broader public engagement.
Community members interested in participating are encouraged to connect with local faith institutions or attend the downtown Minneapolis rally. Share your experiences in the comments below.
