Some Republican leaders are starting to distance themselves from the Trump administration over its recent actions in U.S. cities, particularly in areas like Minneapolis and Portland. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have openly called for the removal of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Murkowski expressed her concerns on social media, saying, “The tragedy and chaos in Minneapolis is shocking. ICE agents should not act without oversight.”
In the U.S., general strikes are rare. According to Bill Gould, a law professor at Stanford, organizing them is challenging. He highlighted a notable event from 1934 when 150,000 workers in San Francisco struck for four days after police violence against workers. This led to the National Labor Relations Act, which guaranteed the right to unionize.
Today, general strikes are being discussed again, sparked by public outrage over ICE’s actions during protests. Gould mentioned that if the upcoming national shutdown sees broad participation, it could be groundbreaking. He believes the strike aims to grab the attention of business leaders and political figures by showing the strength of public sentiment against ICE’s conduct.
Many union chapters in the Bay Area reported that they might not formally coordinate with the strike, but individual members will likely join in. The California Faculty Association encouraged its members to show support for the movement, emphasizing the need to condemn ICE’s actions.
At the Dolores Park protest in San Francisco on January 30, 2026, a father named Troy Goode shared how his daughter motivated him to participate. He appreciated how younger generations are becoming politically active, uplifting others in their communities.
Around 70 local businesses, including cafes and bookstores, closed in solidarity with the protest. Camden Emery, co-owner of Booksmith, explained that shutting down was a clear way to express their support amid a crisis many feel helpless against. He added that it’s empowering to stand together symbolically.
Andytown Coffee Roasters, which has immigrant roots, also closed its locations to support the protest. They shared on social media that they believe in everyone’s right to free speech, humorously noting they prefer ice in drinks, not from ICE.
Others who could not afford to close their doors chose to contribute differently. Some offered free goods or donated their proceeds to immigration nonprofits, showing that support can come in many forms.
The growing discontent with ICE reflects a significant moment. Polls indicate that a majority of Americans now support more humane immigration policies. Meanwhile, social media trends reveal how activists are using platforms to mobilize support and share their experiences.
This rising backlash and new forms of community-driven action highlight the ongoing struggle for justice and rights, reminding us of similar movements throughout history. As people come together, they hope to influence change at both the grassroots level and within political systems.
For more on the current state of immigration policy, you can check out information from the Pew Research Center.
