‘I feel strongly about it’: Lincoln businesses take part in Friday’s national ICE protest

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) —A national protest swept through the United States on Friday, even reaching the capital city.

It was a coordinated effort in which people chose not to shop, work, or attend school. The mission behind it is to either defund ICE or shut it down.

Several local businesses took part in the movement. Some closed their doors, and other’s not.

Amy Tabor at Open Harvest says that, at Co-ops across the country, her decision to speak out reflects community principles.

“One of those very important principles is concern for community. That means the community that directly surrounds us, serving the community every day,” Tabor said. “It also means the communities beyond our walls, and that includes the co-op community in Minnesota.”

Also, Beatrix Mather, the owner of Bodhi Imports, says she couldn’t afford to close for the day. Instead, she donated a portion of the proceeds to local nonprofit organizations that assist immigrant families.

“I think it’s just escalated to the point where those of us who feel strongly about it can’t stay quiet,” said Mather. “I feel strongly about it. People who come here legally, or come here undocumented, deserve to be treated like human beings.”

Amid the conflict in Minnesota, President Donald Trump stated he will not halt ICE raids.

“We want to keep our country safe. We’ll do whatever to keep our country safe.”

Also, the border czar, Tom Homan, doubled down on the president’s statement, saying they will not surrender.

“We will conduct targeted enforcement operations, just what we’ve done for decades.”

Channel 8 reached out to the Lancaster County republican party on this movement, but they declined to comment at this time.

Some local stores that remained open on Friday are encouraging customers to pay in cash to avoid government fees.