The.Ink

The.Ink

MAKE IT MAKE SENSE: Minneapolis goes on strike

Can Minnesotans chill ICE with an economic blackout?

The Ink's avatar
The Ink
Jan 23, 2026
∙ Paid

In today’s letter: Is it, as we asked last year, general strike o’clock?

If The Ink helps you understand these times and this community keeps you sane, join us today.

With the federal war on American cities accelerating to the unthinkable in Minneapolis — the murder of Nicole Good, the kidnapping, detention, and use as bait of a 5-year-old boy, myriad violations of the Fourth Amendment, and the criminalization of peaceful protest — the people have mobilized to resist ICE actions on a street-by-street, neighborhood-by-neighborhood basis.

But achieving bigger goals — getting local and state governments to restrain federal agents, pushing back in court against lawless ICE actions, or getting large corporations to act in the interest of the people — requires bigger action.

So Minnesotans have turned to an old idea that’s lately gained traction among labor leaders, political thinkers, and centrist pundits: the general strike.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2026 Anand Giridharadas · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture