Denver Protests Disrupt Schools, Businesses Over ICE Policies

Widespread demonstrations against immigration enforcement tactics lead to school closures and economic impact

Jan. 31, 2026 at 12:15pm

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The recent 'ICE Out' protests in Denver represent a growing trend of using widespread disruption, including school walkouts, business closures, and economic boycotts, as a form of political protest. These tactics, which echo the Civil Rights Movement, aim to create economic pressure alongside raising awareness about grievances over immigration enforcement practices.

Why it matters

The Denver protests, mirroring similar events across the U.S., demonstrate a willingness to sacrifice short-term economic convenience to highlight grievances. This shift from traditional marches and rallies to directly impacting the daily functioning of society reflects evolving strategies in civic engagement, fueled by social media and a heightened sense of urgency.

The details

The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good served as immediate catalysts for the Denver protests, but the underlying frustration with immigration enforcement practices has been building for years. Social media platforms played a crucial role in rapidly disseminating information, organizing protests, and amplifying personal stories. The closure of over a dozen Denver restaurants during the 'ICE Out' protest highlights a significant trend of businesses taking public stances on social and political issues.

  • The 'ICE Out' protests in Denver took place on January 30, 2026.
  • The 2023 Writers Guild of America strike, which impacted entertainment production and the economy, served as a precursor to the tactics used in the Denver protests.

The players

Michael Bennet

A U.S. Senator from Colorado who has called for ICE reform.

John Hickenlooper

A U.S. Senator from Colorado who has supported legal challenges against ICE.

Quinn Meinerz

A professional football player who has used his platform to advocate for social change.

Cam Johnson

A professional basketball player who has also used his platform to advocate for social change.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The calls for ICE reform from Senators Bennet and Hickenlooper, alongside Denver's support for legal challenges against the agency, indicate a growing political backlash against current immigration enforcement policies. While a complete abolition of ICE remains unlikely in the short term, the agency faces increasing scrutiny and pressure to adopt more humane and transparent practices.

The takeaway

The tactics employed in the 'ICE Out' protests, which involve using widespread disruption to create economic pressure and raise awareness, can be applied to a variety of contentious policy issues beyond immigration. As society becomes more polarized, we can expect to see more of these types of protests in the future, with organizers focusing on building broad coalitions and clearly articulating their demands to maximize impact and public support.