‘ICE Out’ national event leads to protests, small business closures across Vermont

January 31, 2026 - 03:14

At least fifteen small businesses across Vermont shuttered their doors on Friday, joining a coordinated national demonstration dubbed "ICE Out." The closures served as a protest against recent immigrant enforcement actions conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, which have sparked widespread condemnation from advocacy groups.

The movement, organized by a coalition of immigrant rights activists, called for a nationwide economic stoppage to highlight the economic contributions of immigrant communities and to protest detention and deportation practices. In Vermont, the impact was visible as various local shops, cafes, and service providers posted signs in support of the action, turning a regular business day into one of political statement.

Organizers stated the closures were a sacrifice meant to underscore the vital role immigrants play in local economies and the societal disruption caused by aggressive enforcement. The protest aimed to draw attention to calls for comprehensive immigration reform and to build solidarity between business owners and the immigrant community. The quiet streets in front of participating businesses stood in stark contrast to the heated national debate surrounding immigration policy, demonstrating a tangible form of civil dissent.