The Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Institute of Art closed on January 20, 2026, in protest of escalating Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the Twin Cities. The closures follow the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, by ICE agent Jonathan Ross, which sparked nationwide outrage. The museums canceled scheduled events, including a performance by Nile Harris, and joined a broader one-day economic blackout called "A Day of Truth and Freedom" organized by Minnesota union leaders and community groups. Other cultural institutions participating include the Bakken Museum, the Minnesota Museum of American Art, the Weisman Art Center, and the Museum of Russian Art.
This protest marks a rare instance of major art museums taking a direct political stand by shutting their doors, signaling that cultural institutions are increasingly willing to use their platforms to address urgent social and political issues. The closures highlight the growing tension between federal immigration enforcement and local communities, and demonstrate how museums are positioning themselves as community-centered spaces that prioritize staff and visitor safety over normal operations. The involvement of multiple museums across the Twin Cities amplifies the message and reflects a broader trend of arts organizations engaging with activism and social justice movements.