Thousands Attend Anti-ICE Protest in Downtown Boise

Activists call for economic blackout and demand changes to immigration enforcement practices

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Approximately 1,000 activists gathered outside the Idaho State Capitol in Boise as part of nationwide "ICE Out" demonstrations protesting recent events involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including the shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old Minneapolis man, by federal immigration agents during a protest.

Why it matters

The Boise protest is part of a coordinated national movement calling for an economic blackout and urging people not to work, shop, or attend school on Friday to draw attention to concerns over ICE's immigration enforcement practices and the circumstances surrounding Pretti's death, which has sparked outrage and renewed debate over the role of the agency.

The details

Activists in Boise gathered outside the state capitol building to voice their opposition to ICE and call for changes to the agency's policies and tactics. The demonstration was one of many "ICE Out" events taking place across the country on the same day, with protesters seeking to disrupt normal economic activity as a form of protest.

  • The protest took place on January 30, 2026.

The players

Alex Pretti

A 37-year-old Minneapolis man who was shot and killed by federal immigration agents during a protest, prompting national outrage and renewed debate over ICE's practices.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow ICE to continue these unjust and violent actions against our communities. This protest is our way of saying enough is enough.”

— Protest Organizer

What’s next

Organizers have vowed to continue the protests and economic disruptions until their demands for changes to ICE's policies and practices are met.

The takeaway

The Boise protest is part of a growing national movement against ICE's immigration enforcement tactics, with activists using economic disruption as a tool to force changes and accountability within the agency.