Why some Greater Cincinnati businesses are taking part in national ‘ICE out’ strike

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Dozens of small businesses in Greater Cincinnati are participating in a national strike in response to the ongoing conflict involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Following the separate killings of Minneapolis VA nurse Alex Pretti and mother of three Renee Good, grassroots organizers spread the word about an “ICE out” strike happening across the country: “No work, no school, no shopping,” the flyers say.

The strike is scheduled to take place Friday, Jan. 30. Some strikes will go into Saturday, Jan. 31.

Household Books, a College Hill bookstore, is one of the many Cincinnati businesses participating.

Owner Bobby Minelli says his store will be closed Friday to not only take a stand for people’s rights and safety, but also to “acknowledge the power in collective action.”

“I understand that times are politically polarized, and am aware that taking any public stance can bring a range of reactions,” Minelli tells FOX19 NOW. “Household has always aimed to be a community space rooted in care, dialogue, and shared humanity. This is a simple expression of our values.”

Household Books is not the only business taking a stand.

Several coffee shops, like Haven Cafe, Mad Llama Coffee, Elliott Coffee, Redtree Coffee and Art and Collective Espresso say although they will be open during the strike, they are encouraging cash payments and will donate a portion of sales to nonprofit organizations in Minneapolis.

Elijah Knapp, co-owner of Elliott Coffee in Dayton, Kentucky, wrote online that the ongoing violence by ICE is one of the many reasons his business will be donating 15% of its revenue to the National Immigrant Justice Center.

“There is much to be said about the state of our country, but I am not a politician or a pundit. I am just a small business owner, a dad, a friend, a husband, and a neighbor. It’s those roles that lead me to say without apology that the abuse of power, lack of accountability, and gross violence displayed by ICE is a danger to our communities,” Knapp writes.

“We stand with our neighbors - those born here and those who came here in search of something better. There is no place in this country for what we’re witnessing right now in Minnesota and across the nation.”

Over-the-Rhine’s 1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab will also have its doors open for folks, but addresses the conflict happening in Minnesota.

“1215 will be open, as we have wages and bills to pay, but we’re here to be a place for gathering, for making one more phone call to your senator, or just for warming up on a cold day, together,” the business wrote. “We love this community and we LOVE our immigrant neighbors, family members, and friends. Just about the only folks not welcome are ICE!”

Other businesses participating in the strike include:

• Alien Records
• The Most Beautiful Thing in the World is
• Tome Books & Novelteas
• Queen City Clay
• Handzy Shop and Studio
• MiCA 12/v
• Paper Wings
• The Rhined
• Fireside Pizza
• Downbound Books
• Elaine B Jewelry
• Brown Bear Bakery
• Spruce Nail Shop
• Idlewild
• Roebling Books
• Cafe Alma
• Parlour Cincinnati
• OMBRE Gallery

FOX19 NOW reached out to U.S. Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted for comment on the strikes.

Sen. Husted’s office referred us to his previous statement regarding immigration operations and the Pretti’s death.

Multiple protests and vigils have been held across Cincinnati since the surge of immigration enforcement in January 2025.

Most recently, hundreds of people gathered at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for a vigil honoring Pretti. He was fatally shot by two Border Patrol agents Jan. 24.

Another protest, hosted by 50501 Cincinnati, is being held Friday at the Hamilton County Courthouse at 6 p.m.

There will also be a vigil at the Peace Pole in Beech Acres Park at 6 p.m. The event is hosted by Greater Anderson Promotes Peace to honor the lives of those lost during encounters with ICE agents.

The nonprofit asks people to bring a candle in a protected container or a glow stick to the vigil.

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