Hundreds attend "ICE Out" protest in Milwaukee; Local businesses donate to the cause

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — People across the country took part on a National Day of Action Friday, Jan. 30, protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence in Minnesota, after the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

In Milwaukee, hundreds attended a protest at 2 p.m. in Cathedral Square Park.

Participants held signs, organized chants and marched in the streets downtown protesting ICE raids Minnesota over the last month, bringing together community members and organizations.

Additionally, students at several area high schools organized walkouts to show their support.

Around 300 students at Milwaukee High School of the Arts marched outside the building at 9 a.m., protesting ICE and advocating for equal rights.

Students at South Milwaukee High School also held a walkout, around noon, saying young people deserve to make their voices heard.

"The first amendment belongs to students. Even though most of us are underage, that doesn't mean we don't have a voice," said senior, Shelby Brooks. "A lot of people have complained, saying we can't vote, why should we say anything, but we are here, we live in this country, and we have the right to say what we think."

The plans were of a nationwide movement, framed as a general strike.

The initial messaging was "no work, no school, no shopping," but many small businesses found ways to participate while keeping their doors open.

Dozens of businesses in Milwaukee announced plans to donate some or all of Friday's proceeds to organizations that support immigrants in Milwaukee and Minnesota.

One of those businesses, Indeed Brewing Company, will be donating 100% Friday's proceeds in their Milwaukee taproom to the Minnesota Immigration Rights Action Committee.

Indeed Brewing has a close connection to the cause - their only other location is located in Minneapolis.

"We have co-workers up there that have to come to work with their passports. They're us citizens that have been born in this country and lived here their entire lives. That's frustrating," said Cullen Voss, the general manager. "We're donating today because our employees stepped up and said, hey, we need to be there. For our co-workers, for our friends, for the people of Minneapolis."

At the Cathedral Square Park protest, Bay View restaurant Heirloom MKE handed out sandwiches to protesters, and Discourse Coffee provided free coffee and snacks.

Those workers told us they want to send the message that Milwaukee stands with immigrants, and small businesses have power to make an impact.