Working-Class Mass Action Can Successfully Defeat Trump's Immigration Enforcement
Source: Ramy Khalil. "Working-Class Resistance Forced ICE Out of Minneapolis." March 14, 2026. jacobin.com
The Gist
The author argues that when workers in Minneapolis organized a massive strike and sustained protests against Trump's immigration raids, they forced ICE to withdraw from the city. This proves that organized working-class resistance can successfully defeat Trump's policies and should be replicated nationally.
Conclusion
Organized working-class resistance through mass strikes and protests can successfully force Trump to retreat from his immigration enforcement operations
Premises
- The Minneapolis mass strike on January 23, 2026 involved approximately 75,000 workers and 10% of Minnesota's workforce, demonstrating significant working-class mobilization
- ICE withdrew from Minneapolis on February 12, 2026, shortly after the mass strike and sustained protests, indicating a direct causal relationship
- The resistance was led by experienced activists who had spent years organizing within unions and building rank-and-file influence
- Multiple sectors participated including airport workers, telecom workers, educators, and small businesses, showing broad coalition potential
- Trump's administration claimed mission completion but this was clearly face-saving given the timing after sustained resistance
- The success provides a replicable model that can be scaled nationally through coordinated May Day actions
Assumptions
- Mass strikes and protests directly caused ICE's withdrawal rather than other political or strategic factors
- Working-class solidarity can overcome racial and sectoral divisions when properly organized
- Union leaders will eventually support militant action when pressured by rank-and-file members
- Trump's power can be effectively challenged through organized labor resistance
- The Minneapolis model can be successfully replicated in other cities and contexts