Duluth businesses prepare for “ICE: out” day

DULUTH, Minn. — Businesses across the state of Minnesota are closing their doors on Friday, as part of an anti-ICE campaign.

The “ICE out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” campaign is a way that Minnesotans are showing their support for anti-ICE movements in Minneapolis, and some businesses in the Twin Ports will be taking part in solidarity.

One such location, Zenith Bookstore in West Duluth, says that businesses can be more than just buyers and sellers, and can do their part to support the communities around them.

“We believe, as an independent bookstore, we’re more than just a retail location, we’re also a community gathering place. People come here to learn. They come here to share ideas, to discuss ideas, and we really feel that as a part of the community, we want to show solidarity with Minneapolis.” said Sarah Brown, Store Manager, Zenith Bookstore.

The bookstore also says that despite the epicenter of the ICE activity being in Minneapolis, it’s important to show support now before the tension spreads.

“Minneapolis is the front line right now, but I think a lot of people feel that if things are allowed to proceed the way they are down there, it’s only going to spread. And you know, we’re not that far away. We have seen ice activity in Duluth, and so we’d rather be prepared ahead of time. We’d rather express our opinion that we don’t want these things happening in our community before it’s too late.” said Brown.

“ICE out of Minnesota: Day of Truth and Freedom” is set to feature protests and demonstrations across the state Friday, including at Duluth City Hall, where Zenith says their employees will be taking part in a sit-in to protest ICE presence in Duluth.

Zenith is one of a number of Twin Ports businesses observing the “ICE: OUT” campaign and closing on Friday.

Other businesses that have posted about being closed for the campaign include: