Thousands Protest ICE Operations in Nationwide 'ICE Out' Strike

Businesses across San Francisco close in solidarity as demonstrations target Trump administration's immigration policies

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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Thousands of people gathered in San Francisco's Dolores Park on Friday as part of a nationwide 'ICE Out' protest, with many local businesses closing in solidarity. The demonstrations were aimed at the Trump administration's immigration operations, particularly in Minneapolis, which have led to thousands of arrests, detentions, and the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Some Republican lawmakers have also begun to publicly criticize the administration's actions.

Why it matters

The nationwide strike is an unusual and unprecedented action, reflecting a 'sense of outrage' over the conduct of ICE agents in dealing with largely peaceful protests. The protest aims to get the attention of the business community and political leaders, with the hope that if it substantially affects business, companies will then pressure political leaders to reform the administration's immigration policies.

The details

Demonstrations took place in several major U.S. cities, including Minneapolis, Portland, Los Angeles, Washington, and Chicago. In San Francisco, at least 70 local coffee shops, restaurants, and businesses shut their doors or expressed solidarity with the action. Some businesses that remained open said they would donate proceeds to immigration nonprofits or offer free or discounted goods and gathering spaces to protesters.

  • The nationwide 'ICE Out' protest took place on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Lisa Murkowski

A Republican senator from Alaska who publicly called for the ouster of the Secretary of Homeland Security over the administration's immigration operations.

Thom Tillis

A Republican senator from North Carolina who also publicly called for the ouster of the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of Homeland Security whose ouster was called for by Senators Murkowski and Tillis.

Bill Gould

A professor emeritus at Stanford Law who said the nationwide strike is 'very unusual' and 'reflects a sense of outrage that so many in the public feel about the behavior of ICE'.

Troy Goode

A San Francisco resident who attended the Dolores Park protest with his middle-school-aged daughter.

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What they’re saying

“The tragedy and chaos the country is witnessing in Minneapolis is shocking. ICE agents do not have carte blanche in carrying out their duties.”

— Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator (Social media)

“If it affects business substantially, business, in turn, will turn to political leaders seeking to get those political leaders to reform what workers are grieving about.”

— Bill Gould, Professor Emeritus, Stanford Law (KQED)

“I'll be honest, while I'm very supportive of the movement here, I probably wouldn't have come if it wasn't for my daughter. I really appreciate all these kids who are helping active not only themselves for the first time politically but also helping activate some of us that might've needed an extra boost to get off the couch.”

— Troy Goode (KQED)

What’s next

The nationwide 'ICE Out' protest is expected to continue in the coming days and weeks, with organizers hoping to maintain pressure on the Trump administration and political leaders to reform immigration policies.

The takeaway

This nationwide strike reflects the growing public outrage over the Trump administration's aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, with businesses and communities coming together to demand change through collective action. The protest highlights the power of grassroots movements to challenge authoritarian policies and push for reform, even in the face of a seemingly intransigent federal government.