Readers Say
Some readers say anti-ICE shutdown is a meaningful way to push back. Others call it unrealistic or ineffective for people juggling work, school, and bills.
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Ahead of Friday’s planned “National Shutdown,” Boston.com asked readers whether they plan to take part in the anti-ICE call to action urging people to skip work, school, and shopping. The responses poured in — and they split sharply, revealingdisagreements on the effectiveness of protest tactics, the role of immigration enforcement, and what — if anything — actually invokes change.
The call has spread online as anger grows over immigration enforcement activity in Minneapolis, including the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, fueling protests and intense scrutiny of federal agents’ use of force.
Locally, Mass 50501 and other local groups are planning an “ICE Out Everywhere” rally on Saturday, Jan. 31, on Boston Common. A separate event is also planned for Friday at 3:30 p.m. in Copley Square as part of the “National Shutdown.”
So, are readers joining Friday’s “shutdown” — or going about their day as usual?
Responses came in from over 650 readers, and were mostly split between those planning to join by skipping work (12%), school (5%), or shopping (31%) versus not participating (52%).
Are you planning to take part in the Jan. 30 shutdown?
Yes — I’m skipping school / keeping kids home
Yes — I’m avoiding shopping/errands
No — I’m going about my day as usual
Some readers who voted no dismissed the shutdown as ineffective or “political theater.” Others said they can’t afford to miss work or keep kids home from school.
“I have to work to pay my bills,” one reader wrote.
Others said they oppose the shutdown because they support law enforcement and ICE’s role: “ICE is enforcing federal law.”
Those who support the “National Shutdown” said they feel compelled to act — even in small ways — rather than watch events unfold from the sidelines.
“I’m sick of hearing about the atrocities committed by ICE and not doing anything about it. This is a way I can participate in acting against it,” one reader wrote.
Others said they only plan to boycott spending: “My job isn’t disruptive to the economy, but my money is. I won’t shop.”
Several described the moment as bigger than a single day of protest.
“Enough is enough!! This has got to stop. So much hate and division,” another wrote.
Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity. Profanity was removed.
Why readers plan to participate in the ‘National Shutdown’
“I work in child welfare so to take a day off work seems counterintuitive but I want to participate and will not shop or run errands. I need to do more to show my absolute horror at what is happening.” — Janet, Paxton
“Got to hit them where it hurts, in the wallet.” — Stevo, Lowell
“I am retired so shopping is the only part I can say yes to. But it is an ENTHUSIASTIC YES!!” — Kerry D., Auburn, NH
“I’m sick of hearing about the atrocities committed by ICE and not doing anything about it. This is a way I can participate in acting against it.” — CB, Portsmouth, NH
“Enough is enough!! This has got to stop. So much hate and division.” — Janet G., Beverly
“Hurting the economy, especially local businesses, will send a scathing message to local governments, and subsequently the Trump administration, that we mean business and that we are willing to sacrifice locally to send a message nationally.” — Todd, Brookline
“I am keeping my daughter home and am also refusing to shop. I want to show my support for our fellow Americans against ice agents.” — Jennifer M., Windham
“I want my son to understand we need [to] help others not hurt them.” — Max D., Haverhill
“Because the country needs to band together to protest what is happening. These are only going to get bigger.” — Tim E., Watertown
Why readers plan to skip the ‘National Shutdown’
“Having kids skip school is not helping them, nor will it change anything at the Federal level.” — Magee, Dorchester
“Skipping work or school to protest tells the world that whatever you are protesting isn’t worth your free time. If students want to walk out, they should instead refuse to leave the building at the end of the day. If adults want to protest, they should spend their Saturday protesting. The act of sacrifice is what gives the protest power.” — Dan, Roxbury
“I’m an American, and I believe in law enforcement [and] respect the laws of our land.” —Tom, Brookline
“Why? This will do nothing.” — Bill, Brighton
“This is wasted energy and political/social theater.” — Abe S., Hyde Park
“Because I support ICE and our immigration laws and people shouldn’t be impeding federal investigations.” — A Boston.com reader
“This is silly, we should let law enforcement do their job and remove people who are here illegally. Much like former President Obama, I believe there has to be consequences for people who entered this country illegally.” — Sully, Southie
“How would it effect ICE if I missed a days’ pay? I don’t understand how so many people have free time to follow ICE agents around and try to stop them from doing their job. Part of the President’s campaign platform was to deport as many illegal immigrants as possible. He was elected. He is following through on what he promised the American people. It’s very simple.” —Jim, Merrimack Valley
“I’m not sure what kind of a ‘shut down’ message there will be by shutting my own life down.” — Chris L., Melrose
Boston.com occasionally interacts with readers by conducting informal polls and surveys. These results should be read as an unscientific gauge of readers’ opinion.
