In San Francisco, thousands gathered in Dolores Park on January 30, 2026, as part of a nationwide 'ICE Out' protest against the Trump administration's immigration operations. The demonstration, which also involved a general strike, was a response to the recent surge in arrests and detentions, including the tragic deaths of two U.S. citizens, Pretti and Good. The protest aimed to halt economic activity and showcase widespread opposition to the harsh enforcement measures in the Twin Cities, which have led to the detention of thousands of immigrants, many of whom have no criminal records.
The protest was particularly significant as it involved students from various schools across the city. The San Francisco Unified School District granted excused absences for students who notified the schools beforehand, and many more students in San José and the East Bay stayed home or participated in similar actions. Yajaira Cuapio, a San Francisco educator, emphasized the protest's message: 'We want ICE out, we want the ICE terror to end.'
This movement gained momentum after a similar protest in Minneapolis the previous week, where local organizers and residents aimed to disrupt economic activities as a symbol of resistance. The protests have sparked discussions and actions across the country, with some businesses and organizations joining the cause. For instance, at least 70 local coffee shops, restaurants, and businesses in San Francisco closed their doors or pledged solidarity with the protest, demonstrating the widespread support for the cause.
The 'ICE Out' protests have also garnered attention from political figures and union leaders. John Logan, a professor of labor and employment studies, noted the immediate impact of the previous Friday's protest, which encouraged politicians and labor leaders to speak out against the immigration policies. Some Republican lawmakers have even begun to distance themselves from the Trump administration's immigration 'surges' in cities like Minneapolis, Portland, Los Angeles, Washington, and Chicago.
The general strike, while infrequently organized in the U.S., has a historical precedent. In 1934, a strike in San Francisco involved 150,000 workers, leading to significant changes in labor rights. However, a national-level strike of this scale is relatively unprecedented. Bill Gould, a professor emeritus at Stanford Law, suggests that this protest could be 'pioneering' if it achieves widespread involvement, reflecting the public's outrage over ICE's conduct during peaceful protests.
The strike aims to draw attention to the business community and political leaders, with the potential to influence policy changes. Many Bay Area union chapters have shown support, and some businesses are donating proceeds to immigration nonprofits or offering free/discounted goods and spaces to protesters. The 'ICE Out' movement continues to gain momentum, with individuals and organizations standing together to challenge the immigration policies and advocate for change.
