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 protests from bystanders questioning the morality of the agents' actions, reflecting community concerns about the implications of such enforcement tactics, particularly in vulnerable settings.

The operation is part of a broader initiative known as Operation Metro Surge, which has led to over 2,500 arrests since its inception on December 1, 2025. In response, the AFL-CIO, representing approximately 15 million workers, has endorsed a statewide economic blackout scheduled for January 23, 2026. This initiative aims to demonstrate solidarity against what labor leaders describe as a militarized approach to immigration enforcement that threatens innocent workers and disrupts daily life across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, and education.

The Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation has articulated demands for ICE to withdraw from Minnesota and for the elimination of federal funding for the agency in the upcoming congressional budget. Organizers of the Day of Truth and Freedom, which includes community, faith, and union groups, are calling for residents to refrain from work, school, and shopping to show economic solidarity. A rally and march are planned in downtown Minneapolis on the day of the blackout.

The Department of Homeland Security has characterized Operation Metro Surge as a measure to target criminal activity among immigrants, with Secretary Kristi Noem asserting that the operation aims to hold accountable those engaging in fraud and criminality. However, many residents have criticized the methods employed by federal agents, particularly following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen, by an ICE officer on January 7. This incident has led to protests and a lawsuit filed by Minnesota's attorney general against the Department of Homeland Security, seeking to halt the operation due to its negative impact on public safety and community stability. The lawsuit highlights concerns that the surge has strained local law enforcement resources and forced school lockdowns, raising questions about the rights of residents in the face of aggressive immigration enforcement.