Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
‘National Shutdown’ Protest Planned Friday. What Is It About?
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 2 hours ago on
January 29, 2026

Demonstrators carry signs condemning Immigration and Customs Enforcement near the site where a man identified as Alex Pretti was fatally shot by federal agents trying to detain him, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jan. 24, 2026. (Reuters/Tim Evans)

Share

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Activist groups are urging Americans to stay home from work, school, and shopping Friday as part of a nationwide protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

According to the National Shutdown website, organizers say the action is meant to halt ICE’s “reign of terror” and follow the lead of protesters in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

“To stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” the website states.

The movement comes in response to the killings of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, Silverio Villegas González, and Keith Porter Jr. by federal agents.

Organizers condemned politicians who labeled the victims “terrorists,” saying video evidence shows they were shot in broad daylight while exercising their First Amendment right to protest mass deportation.

The website says more than 1,000 organizations in 46 states are planning over 250 actions. Among them is a group 50501, known for demonstrations against the Trump administration and involvement in the “No Kings” movement. They have had multiple demonstrations in Fresno and surrounding cities.

Organizers said the nationwide shutdown is intended to show solidarity with communities affected by ICE operations and to demand an end to what they describe as fear-driven enforcement.

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email

RELATED TOPICS:

Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.

Search

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Send this to a friend