The littles were locked out on Friday, Jan. 30. Stuffed animals sat silent and motionless. Taped to the door of “The Best Toy Store in the Galaxy” was a message for grownups:
“Teaching Toys will be closed on Friday, January 30, as part of the National Shutdown. We stand in solidarity against ICE and their deplorable actions in the Twin Cities and all across the country. We will open again on Saturday, January 31, and we will continue to be a safe place where everyone can feel welcome. Find more information at NationalShutdown.com.”
National Shutdown
The National Shutdown was a coordinated effort Friday asking people to skip work, school and shopping to protest actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The movement grew after several deadly incidents involving immigration agents in Minnesota, including the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Student groups and advocacy organizations urged lawmakers to stop funding ICE and make policy changes.
Next door, at Ben & Jerry’s in the Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Complex, the lights were on and the door unlocked. The store was open, but no customers were inside.
It was January, and they sell ice cream, so maybe that’s no surprise. But the store wasn’t ignoring the moment…