Emotional and powerful demonstrations have erupted in Denver, aligning with nationwide protests called "ICE OUT" aimed at challenging the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). On this Friday, January 30, 2026, numerous protests are anticipated throughout the Denver metropolitan area. In response to these national demonstrations, many businesses and school districts across the state have opted to close their doors today, participating in the call for "no school, no work, and no shopping" as an act of solidarity.
A significant number of participants in downtown Denver were students from local high schools, prompting several institutions to cancel classes due to the expected absences of both students and teachers. One East High School junior expressed their frustration to CPR News, stating, "Violence is violence, and people are people. That’s why so many students came out today; we’re just fed up with the injustice and the inhumane actions of our government."
These protests follow a troubling string of violent encounters involving ICE in Minneapolis, which have tragically resulted in the deaths of individuals such as Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents. Both victims had connections to Colorado, which has sparked several smaller protests statewide in recent weeks.
Matthew Anderson Duncan, an oncology nurse who participated in the protests alongside his teacher wife, passionately shared, "They take someone who dedicated his life to helping others and curing the sick, and they shot him in the street. That's why I’m taking a stand. People are suffering unnecessarily because of ICE."
In anticipation of these demonstrations, social media buzzed with small business owners announcing their decision to close for the day in support of a broader "National Shutdown."
Sonia Riggs, the president and CEO of the Colorado Restaurant Association, noted, "The hospitality industry in Colorado is diverse and currently facing significant stress due to recent reports of increased enforcement actions. Our members are concerned about their employees and their businesses, and we fully support them as they navigate operations during this uncertain period in any way that best serves their staff and community. We are here to offer resources, information, and advocacy at all levels of government."
Teachers have taken a leading role in the Denver area movement, submitting their plans to be absent from work on Friday, leaving school districts with little choice but to cancel classes at the last minute.
One 11th-grade student from East High School, holding a sign that read "Silence sides with harm," remarked, "I believe that if you remain a bystander, simply observing what unfolds, you’re making the wrong choice. To take no position is essentially to choose the wrong side."
This story is still unfolding and will continue to be updated as new information emerges.
