Greater Manchester Workers and Tenants Association, in partnership with Unison AQA branch, present:

From Minneapolis to Manchester: rising up against ICE and state racism

It can feel daunting, even for those of us active in the movement, to know how to respond to the state's constant and escalating racism and attacks on migrant communities.

How do we move beyond street protests to concerted action? How do we organise against the state as a whole? Where do we even start?

In 2025, despite the overwhelming odds against them and the capitulation of the lawmakers, community activists, labour organisers and ordinary Minnesotans organised together into a cohesive bloc against the disgusting hunting and kidnap of immigrants in Minneapolis. This work culminated in a general strike of unionised and non-unionised workers alike, aimed at bringing the city to a standstill and supporting the actions of anti-fascist activists against ICE.

We will hear from Erik Davis of the Minnesota 15 and speakers from our local workers' movement.

There'll be discussion and snacks.

The advice and experiences of Minneapolis could not be more relevant for our current struggle. If in power, Reform have pledged to install a similar fascism to that seen in the US, with Zia Yusuf advocating for a British ICE to round up anyone deemed to be of migrant background. Already, Labour are copying from their toolkit. As trade unionists, workers and activists, we must learn how to resist this action on the streets and in our workplaces before it is too late.

When/where/who:

• 6:30-8:30pm on Thurs 24th Sept
• Cross Street Unitarian Chapel, Cross St, Manchester M2 1NL
• All welcome!

If you're interested in learning more, we recommend:

• This Workers' Inquiry podcast episode on Defeating Operation Metro Surge
• This Red Medicine podcast episode on The General Strike 1926 and Abolish ICE
• This Guardian article about about Erik and his Minnesota 15 comrades's legal battle, and the wider context

Thank you to the AQA Unison branch for their generous donation, which made this event possible.