Growing Union Opposition to ICE Amidst Escalating Raids and Concerns for Worker Safety

A wave of protests and increased scrutiny from labor unions is rising in response to recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), marked by fatal shootings and widespread detentions. These actions are sparking fears among workers, particularly in Minnesota, and prompting unions to demand greater accountability and even the abolition of the agency.

Recent ICE Actions and Union Response

In Minneapolis, ICE agents shot and killed Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse at a veterans hospital and a member of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), just weeks after the death of Renee Good at the hands of an ICE agent. These incidents have fueled protests and calls for ICE to be removed from Minnesota. The University of Minnesota Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical Local 1105 organized a protest after an international graduate student was detained by ICE in March 2025, with similar demonstrations occurring at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.

The Graduate Labor Union has as well highlighted the impact of ICE’s “Operation Metro Surge” on the University of Minnesota community, with workers expressing fear for their safety and some choosing to sleep in their offices to avoid potential encounters with ICE agents.

Unions Advocate for Worker Protection and ICE Accountability

Several unions are actively advocating for the protection of their members and the broader community. The National Nurses United (NNU) has voiced strong support for the people of Minnesota and condemned the violence used by ICE agents. AFGE has called for the resignation of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the abolition of ICE.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) and AFL-CIO federation have also expressed support for the movement to remove ICE from Minnesota and have raised concerns about the impact of ICE raids on workers’ rights and safety. Unions like UNITE HERE are providing mutual aid to individuals and families affected by ICE actions, offering food, shelter, and legal assistance.

ICE’s Impact on the Labor Market

Labor organizations are increasingly recognizing ICE’s role not just as a border enforcement agency, but as an institution that impacts the labor market. Concerns are growing that ICE’s actions induce fear among workers, leading them to accept lower wages and unsafe working conditions, and discouraging them from asserting their rights. This is particularly concerning in sectors like agriculture, meatpacking, construction, and hospitality, where undocumented workers often comprise a significant portion of the workforce.

National Trends and Union Activism

The growing opposition to ICE extends beyond Minnesota. Unions are also taking a stand on broader issues, such as the conflict in Gaza, with the United Electrical Workers calling for a ceasefire and the UAW advocating for an end to U.S. Funding for the conflict.

Several unions have organized protests against companies that collaborate with ICE, including Target, Home Depot, Enterprise, and Hilton. Foreign-born workers make up 15% of all U.S. Union members, highlighting the significant stake unions have in protecting immigrant rights.

Future Actions and Calls for Abolition

Looking ahead, labor activists are planning a national labor march on Washington, a May Day strike, and further demonstrations to demand an end to ICE’s operations. The NNU continues to call for the complete abolition of ICE, arguing that the agency’s actions have caused lasting trauma and harm to communities across the country.

The debate over ICE’s role and the appropriate response from the labor movement reflects a broader struggle over worker rights, immigration policy, and the balance of power between government, corporations, and communities.