On January 15, 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted an operation at El Tapatio restaurant in Willmar, Minnesota, resulting in the detention of three employees. This incident has drawn considerable criticism from local Democratic politicians, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who oppose current immigration enforcement practices.

Witnesses reported that bystanders protested the detentions, raising ethical concerns about the agents' actions. Critics argue that such enforcement tactics create fear and vulnerability within immigrant communities, while supporters maintain that these actions are necessary for upholding federal law. The situation has prompted a federal investigation into the conduct of the officials involved, reflecting ongoing debates about the role of federal agencies in local immigration matters and the need for more humane treatment of individuals facing deportation.

In response to these developments, the AFL-CIO, which represents approximately 15 million workers, has announced a statewide economic blackout in Minnesota scheduled for January 23, 2026. This initiative follows ICE's Operation Metro Surge, which has resulted in over 2,500 arrests since its inception on December 1, 2025. The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation, part of the AFL-CIO, criticized the militarized approach to immigration enforcement, asserting that it endangers innocent workers and disrupts daily life across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and education.

The Day of Truth and Freedom, organized by community, faith, and union groups, calls for residents to refrain from work, school, and shopping to demonstrate economic solidarity. A rally and march are planned in downtown Minneapolis to coincide with the blackout. Organizers are demanding the withdrawal of ICE from Minnesota and the elimination of federal funding for the agency in the upcoming congressional budget.

Operation Metro Surge has been described by the Department of Homeland Security as a measure targeting criminal activity among immigrants. However, many residents have criticized the methods used by federal agents to locate and detain individuals. Tensions escalated following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen, by an ICE officer on January 7, which led to protests and a lawsuit filed by Minnesota's attorney general against the Department of Homeland Security. This lawsuit seeks to halt the operation, citing its negative impact on local law enforcement resources, public safety, and community stability.