Minnesota nurses union tells members to participate in 'economic blackout' to demand 'ICE Out of Minnesota'

As Minnesota continues to grapple with weeks of anti-ICE unrest, the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) has encouraged its members to take part in a statewide "economic blackout" on January 23 to protest ICE in Minnesota.  

The union’s message, circulated to members this week, said, “The Minnesota Nurses Association is encouraging members to participate in this day of action, including the economic blackout and the 2:00 pm rally, as a visible show of solidarity with immigrant communities, workers, and families impacted by ICE activity.” The day of action has been dubbed "ICE Out of Minnesota: A Day of Truth and Freedom."

“We want to be clear and upfront: MNA is not calling for a work stoppage or walkout. Nurses hold a unique and essential role as caregivers and patient advocates. We encourage members to honor the no-strike provisions of their contracts and report to work as scheduled. Continuing to provide care is not an absence from this moment—it is an act of solidarity. By showing up for patients while standing together in advocacy, nurses are protecting Minnesota's most vulnerable community members in the ways only nurses can. 

“As nurses, you see the impact of fear every day. When people delay care or avoid hospitals altogether, outcomes worsen-not just for individual patients, but for public health as a whole. That reality is why nurses and healthcare workers cannot be silent or absent in moments like this,” the announcement continued. 

The union told the nurses that they could “post a photo or video on social media sharing why you are participating” or “participate in a community action near you," among other ways of participating. The union stressed, however, only to attend if they are not scheduled to work, per the union's no strike policy. They further encouraged them to participate in the "economic blackout" by not shopping online or wearing a pin in solidarity with those striking against ICE. 

One nurse told Alpha News, “MNA & SEIU are as bad as the teachers unions, we are mandated to pay them dues and then they finance their political agenda with it. I remember receiving multiple emails from MNA recruiting RN’s to provide first aid services and man supply booths during the George Floyd riots."  

In recent weeks, there has been violence at multiple anti-ICE actions. Left-wing agitators assaulted multiple people over the weekend, including one white man who appeared to be attacked at random after being accused of being right-wing.  This comes after the January 7 shooting of left-wing activist Renee Good, who drove her car into an ICE agent who then fired his weapon, killing Good. 

Footage from multiple protests shows demonstrators and federal officers in physical conflict, tear gas used in dense urban areas, and reports of arrests as authorities try to maintain order. Local media have documented continued tensions around federal enforcement activity. 

Just last week, law enforcement was forced to respond to an attack on an ICE officer. Authorities say three illegal immigrants were involved in attacking the officer with a snow shovel and broomstick before the officer fired in self-defense.