An organized effort encouraging people not to work, shop or go to school tomorrow in protest of ICE's surge into Minnesota is gaining momentum.

Why it matters: "ICE Out of MN: Day of Truth and Freedom" could become one of the largest demonstrations since ICE's aggressive push into the state began in late November, culminating with a 2pm march in downtown Minneapolis.

State of play: A growing number of eateries, coffee shops and retailers are closing for the day, including Daniel del Prado's restaurants, Gavin Kaysen's restaurants and Bar La Grassa, among many others.

• Bring Me the News has a running list that had already topped 200 businesses as of yesterday.

Yes, but: The impact to public services may be muted due to labor contracts and the weather.

Between the lines: Several of the unions supporting the cause acknowledged that they have contracts preventing them from going on strike, including the ones representing bus drivers and nurses.

• The Minnesota Nurses Association encouraged its members to join the march but also urged them to show up for work as scheduled and honor the no-strike provision in their contracts.
• Unions representing teachers in Minneapolis and St. Paul are also signed on to support, but MPS already had the day off for record keeping and Education Minnesota, the statewide union, is encouraging protests only outside of work hours.

Reality check: If forecast wind chills of -39° tomorrow morning hold, it's likely that many districts will be canceling class anyway.

Friction point: Organizers of ICE Out have been encouraging their supporters to go door to door to ask businesses to close. They even have a tool kit for how to talk to them.

• Wes Burdine, owner of St. Paul bar Black Hart, told Racket it's a sizable ask for small businesses to give up their busiest night of the week when cold weather already hurts business in winter. He's decided to close after some foot dragging.

Minneapolis Regional Chamber CEO Mike Logan has spoken out against ICE's tactics here, but isn't taking a position on the strike.

• "The Chamber would be hard-pressed to support any strike that further impacts an already struggling economic situation for the region, but ... we agree the ICE surge has had an immediate and likely long-term impact on the vitality of the region regardless of its stated purpose."

What we're watching: Whether the strike will make any progress toward ICE scaling down here.

Go deeper

🛬 Vice President Vance plans a show of "unwavering support" for ICE agents during a trip to Minnesota today. (Axios)

Agents detained a 5-year-old boy alongside his father as they returned home from school in Columbia Heights this week. (MPR News)

• Columbia Heights Public School district officials say the boy, whose family was reportedly going through the asylum application process, is one of four students detained in the last two weeks. He was sent to Texas.

🏛️ A federal appeals court paused a lower court's order restricting ICE's crowd control tactics while an appeal is pending. (Associated Press)

🛶 The U.S. House voted to overturn a 20-year ban on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The proposal now heads to the Senate. (KARE11)

⚖️ A Ramsey County family court referee tossed out a petition for a restraining order against St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her filed by a former friend. (Pioneer Press)

🗳️ Plymouth officials are considering a $135 million ballot measure this November to build or upgrade the city's athletic complexes. (CCX Media)

Former sports broadcaster Michele Tafoya's bid for U.S. Senate scored the backing of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Why it matters: The endorsement, which unlocks resources and campaign cash, signals that national GOP leaders think she's their best shot at winning the seat in November.

State of play: Other GOP candidates running to succeed retiring DFL U.S. Sen. Tina Smith — including former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze and Royce White — have struggled to raise cash and gain traction.

• Former Republican Party chair David Hann joined the race in December, but has yet to file a fundraising report.

Friction point: Tafoya's support for abortion rights and past comments on President Trump could rankle conservative activists who play an outsized role in the GOP endorsement process.

What she's saying: Tafoya called herself a "pro-choice Republican, period" in an interview with Axios, arguing that the Senate should be focused on issues like housing prices and border security and leave abortion to the states.

• She said she'd welcome the White House's endorsement, but is focused on reaching voters from all parties.

The other side: U.S. Rep. Angie Craig and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan are locked in a heated fight for the DFL nomination.

• Recent clashes over immigration and fraud cranked up the tension in that race.

What she's saying about ICE

The Timberwolves have informed their season ticket holders they're getting a sizable price hike for next season.

Why it matters: Target Center has long been one of the cheapest places to catch an NBA game, but new CEO Matt Caldwell said the increases are warranted given the team's recent success, expensive payroll and arena upgrades.

By the numbers: Hikes will vary from 8% to more than 20%. All 29 price tiers will be increased in the 20,000-seat arena.

• The Wolves rank 29th out of 30 NBA teams for average season ticket prices, Caldwell said. This hike will bring the team to 22nd or 23rd.

What we're watching: Caldwell has met with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey twice since the November election as the team weighs where it might build a new arena.

What they're saying

Ten Minnesota chefs and restaurants were named semifinalists for this year's James Beard Awards.

Dig in: Ann Ahmed of Khâluna and Alma's Alex Roberts were nominated in the national Outstanding Chef category, while Bar La Grassa is up for Outstanding Restaurant.

• Shigeyuki Furukawa (Kado No Mise), Diane Moua (Diane's Place), Yia Vang (Vinai) and Gustavo Romero and Kate Romero (Oro by Nixta) are competing for Best Chef-Midwest.

Plus: The Beard "long-list" has several first-time nominees in their categories, like the Travail Collective for Outstanding Restaurateur and Joan's in the Park for Outstanding Hospitality.

• Kyle Lussier of Grand Rapids restaurant The Pines is also up for Emerging Chef.

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