US cities shut down in protest of federal immigration enforcement VIDEO

Thousands of protesters took to the streets in Minneapolis and cities across the United States on January 30, voicing opposition to federal immigration enforcement as Operation Metro Surge approached its two-month mark in Minnesota.

Just before the demonstrations began, rock legend Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at a benefit concert at First Avenue, performing his new protest song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” in a show of solidarity with the demonstrators, The Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

The protests follow the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents last weekend, an incident now under a civil rights investigation by the US Department of Justice. President Donald Trump drew sharp criticism after commenting on social media, labeling Pretti an “agitator” and possibly an “insurrectionist.”

Organizers say more demonstrations are planned over the weekend in Minnesota and other states, reflecting mounting public anger over federal immigration enforcement operations.

As part of today's "national shutdown" to protest federal immigration enforcement, cities around the country saw protesters take to the streets, and businesses closed their doors.

In Seattle, Milwaukee, Cleveland and around Montana, shops closed up or pledged to donate profits.

Protesters marched in New York, California, Alaska, Maine, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina and dozens of other states.

Students walked out of class in Salt Lake City and Austin, Texas, while some schools in Arizona and Colorado pre-emptively canceled classes Friday in anticipation of mass absences.

Abigail Daugherty, 16, organized a walkout at Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Ga., on January 30.

“For years, I have felt powerless, and seeing other schools in the county being able to do this, I wanted to do something,” the sophomore said.

By Vafa Guliyeva