50501 FRIDAY BRIEFING | JANUARY 23, 2026
Tens of thousands walked out. Thousands of federal agents surged in. One memo is trying to redefine what “warrant” means.
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TODAY: Minnesota Economic Blackout
No work. No school. No shopping. March downtown Minneapolis at 2 PM.
Minnesota is escalating from protest to coordinated economic disruption.
Today’s action: described by organizers as the “Day of Truth and Freedom” calls for a statewide pause in normal life, including a 2 PM march in downtown Minneapolis. (Fast Company, Fox 9, Axios Twin Cities)
If you’re in Minnesota: we are with you and supporting you every step of the way.
If you’re watching from elsewhere: amplify verified updates from Minnesota, support how you can in mutual aid, and learn from what they’re building.
MN50501 Mutual Aid Hub: https://linktr.ee/MutualAidMN50501
For Minnesotans: what do you need most today: visibility, supplies, rides, childcare, legal help, signal boosts?
TL;DR
The Free America Walkout spread across 900+ local actions and nearly 50,000 people were expected to participate nationwide.
A leaked ICE memo attempts to justify home entry without a judge-signed warrant, while Minnesota says thousands of DHS agents remain deployed under “Operation Metro Surge” Today, Minnesota responds with a statewide economic blackout.
By The Numbers
900+ local walkout actions (organizer count)
Nearly 50,000 expected participants (reported estimate)
Thousands of federal agents deployed in the Twin Cities
1 memo attempting to redefine warrant standards using administrative paperwork
February 17: National Day of Lobbying (26 days away)
MONDAY: We Step Out | Free America Walkout at 2PM Local Time (Day Before)
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, We are reminded that nonviolent direct action is strategic pressure.
We covered participation for people who couldn’t risk their jobs, participation shows in many different ways.
Read Monday’s full post by clicking here!
Did Monday’s MLK events shape how you thought about Tuesday?
TUESDAY: The Free America Walkout Is At 2PM! (Day Of)
The Free America Walkout
National Day-of mobilization.
A march: visible, but doesn’t withdraw participation.
A boycott: withdraws participation, but is invisible.
A walkout: coordinated absence and public visibility.
Read Tuesday’s full post by clicking here!
Was Tuesday your first public action? How many have you been involved in now? What brought you out?
WEDNESDAY: They Can Ignore a Few But Not a Nation
The Free America Walkout Debrief:
Not every town had a courthouse rally and that’s okay.
Some people did the core tactic: calling out, skipping errands, withholding commerce.
Coordination works in a variety of ways.
Walkouts are not as simple as a large gathering.
Read Wednesday’s full post by clicking here!
What did it look like where you are? What actions were taking place in your communities?
THURSDAY: The System Is Stress-Testing Our Rights
The Leaked ICE Memo
A judicial warrant is signed by a judge.
An administrative warrant is internal paperwork.
If the executive branch can grant itself permission to enter homes, then the Fourth Amendment becomes optional.
A U.S. Senator has now formally raised this as a constitutional violation in writing. (Blumenthal letter)
Read Thursday’s full post by clicking here!
Are you watching Minnesota today? What are you seeing?
What You Can Do Now
TODAY
Minnesota: participate in the blackout + 2 PM march.
Everywhere else: amplify verified updates by sharing on social media and support in mutual aid where you can.
THIS WEEK
Learn the warrant distinction from trusted legal sources:
Keep Call Congress: (202) 224-3121
Example Script:
“I’m calling about reporting on ICE guidance claiming agents can enter homes without judicial warrants. I want oversight and accountability to protect Fourth Amendment rights.”
Calling might always feel repetitive but it will also always be important to make your voice heard.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED (OR HELPED BY SHARING) IN THE FREE AMERICA WALKOUT!
You walked out of work.
Or stayed home from commerce.
Or showed up in freezing weather.
Or shared the event on social media so someone else could participate safely.
Thank you for being part of this. Thank you for not looking away.
Maine Update: ICE Enforcement Surge
ICE activity is ramping up in Maine this week under a DHS-led enforcement push branded “Operation Catch of the Day.” Federal officials say the operation is targeting “criminal” cases, but Maine leaders are demanding transparency after reports of dozens of arrests on day one and 100+ arrests within the first three days, alongside growing fear in immigrant communities. Maine Gov. Janet Mills has publicly questioned what’s happening and why, while local officials including the Cumberland County Sheriff have criticized ICE after one of his corrections officer recruits with valid work authorization was detained.
If you’re in Maine, have you noticed increased ICE activity in your area? What’s being reported where you are (and by whom)?
February 17th
National Day of Lobbying for the impeachment, conviction, and removal of Donald Trump and his regime.
We’re joining and supporting FLARE and Citizens Impeachment in organizing in all 435 congressional districts to show up at local Representatives’ offices and demand impeachment, conviction, and removal of Donald Trump and his administration. Reps will be in-district, and FLARE USA & Citizens’ Impeachment & 50501 will be providing a lobbying toolkit and follow-up guidance.
Sign up to organize here: tinyurl.com/lobby217.
Minnesota is showing the rest of the country how to do this. From the Governor to the streets.
We need your help! We are the front line, join us in your communities. Support our grass roots resistance. We are strong!