Nationwide Protests Call for End to ICE Violence

Demonstrators across the U.S. participate in 'National Shutdown' to demand reforms to immigration enforcement

Jan. 30, 2026 at 3:55pm

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Hundreds gathered in downtown Los Angeles on Friday as part of nationwide protests over immigration enforcement actions and aggressive tactics used by federal agents that have spread anxiety and fear in communities across the United States. The demonstrations, which included student walkouts and business closures, called for an end to ICE operations and demanded the federal government cut funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Why it matters

The protests highlight growing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration authorities, with incidents of violence and confrontation between protesters and ICE agents. The demonstrations aim to pressure the Trump administration to rein in aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that have caused fear and disruption in many cities.

The details

The nationwide 'National Shutdown' protests were organized in response to recent incidents in Minnesota, where two U.S. citizens were fatally shot by federal agents during immigration operations. Similar confrontations have occurred in Southern California, including an incident where Homeland Security officers shot less-lethal projectiles that blinded two protesters. Protesters are calling for the defunding of ICE and an end to the agency's presence in cities across the country.

  • The nationwide protests and walkouts took place on Friday, January 30, 2026.
  • Similar demonstrations were held in Minneapolis earlier in January 2026.

The players

Renee Good

A 37-year-old mother who was fatally shot by federal agents during immigration operations in Minnesota.

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old ICU nurse who was also fatally shot by federal agents during immigration operations in Minnesota.

Keith Porter Jr.

A man who was fatally shot by an off-duty ICE agent in Northridge, California last month.

Terresa Hardaway

A graphic design professor at the University of Minnesota and creative director of Blackbird Revolt, a social justice-based design studio, who participated in protests in Minneapolis.

Neven McGarvey

A 16-year-old student at Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts who walked out of school to join the protests in Los Angeles.

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What they’re saying

“We are still under occupation by a federally backed institution that is harming our community, that is stealing and abducting our neighbors.”

— Terresa Hardaway, Graphic design professor and creative director

“I think protesting like this would make them feel like a part of us. I feel like we have to protest against this.”

— Neven McGarvey, High school student

What’s next

Organizers hope the 'national shutdown' will convince the Trump administration to stop sending immigration agents to cities across the country or, at least, tone down the heated interactions with protesters. They also hope the actions will pressure the federal government to cut funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The takeaway

The nationwide protests highlight the growing tensions between immigrant communities and federal immigration authorities, with concerns over aggressive enforcement tactics that have caused fear and disruption. The demonstrations aim to pressure the government to reform immigration policies and rein in the actions of ICE agents.