Dangerous Cold Grips Minnesota as Schools Close and Protesters Plan Friday March Against ICE
Subzero temperatures and wind chills as low as the 50s below zero prompted widespread school closures on Friday, while a statewide economic blackout and a downtown Minneapolis march targeting federal immigration enforcement were also planned.
By Anna Nowak ·
Minnesota woke on Friday to dangerously cold weather, with temperatures across most of the state in the 20s below zero. Wind chills fell into the 40s and 50s below zero. In some parts of the state, it was the coldest weather in seven years.
The cold is not expected to ease quickly. Temperatures are forecast to stay below zero statewide through Sunday.
Most of the state's school districts responded by canceling classes or shifting to online learning for the day. Anoka-Hennepin, Brainerd, Duluth, Mankato and St. Paul were among the districts that closed. Bemidji, Elk River, International Falls, Marshall and St. Cloud were among those that moved instruction online. Some colleges and universities also altered their Friday plans, including University of Minnesota campuses.
The weather arrived as tensions over federal immigration enforcement continued to shape life in the state. Organizers have called for a statewide action on Friday, urging Minnesotans to stay away from work, school and shopping to create an economic blackout. Numerous businesses across the state planned to take part.
In downtown Minneapolis, a coalition of Twin Cities organizations said it would hold a peaceful rally and march on Friday. The coalition includes about 100 groups, among them labor unions, clergy, childcare workers and immigrants. Participants plan to call on ICE to leave Minnesota.
A separate dispute involving a St. Paul church has also drawn attention. Several activists who disrupted a service at Cities Church on Summit Avenue now face federal felony charges. The group, led by civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, interrupted worshippers after learning that David Easterwood, the ICE field office director, is on the church's ministry team.
Levy Armstrong, who is also a pastor, is charged with conspiring to deprive parishioners of their civil rights.
The case has become contentious beyond the charges themselves. The White House released doctored images of Levy Armstrong crying as an agent led her away. Defense attorney Jordan Kushner, who witnessed the arrest, said that portrayal was a lie.
A judge ordered two people released from jail in the case. Federal prosecutors appealed that decision, which delayed the release.
Originally published by News Media House · Source: MPR News
