After the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal law enforcement in Minnesota earlier this month, a coalition of labor unions, community defense groups, and student organizations has called for a "National Shutdown" general strike on Friday, January 30.
Although the call to action is nationwide, New Jersey has become a main focus in the Tri-State area, due to its location between two major cities and its large immigrant population. This report brings together confirmed updates on local assembly points, federal agency activity, and the main demands behind the shutdown in New Jersey.
The Catalyst: "No Work, No School, No Shopping"
The main goal of the strike is to stop all economic activity. Organizers ask participants to not go to work, attend school, or shop for 24 hours. This action, they say, will protest what they call "unchecked federal aggression," pointing to the deadly events in Minnesota and a recent increase in ICE and DHS raids nationwide.
In New Jersey, the movement has shifted from showing support to taking direct action after reports confirmed that federal agents are gathering in both residential and commercial areas in Bergen, Essex, Morris, Mercer, and Union counties, among others in the state.
Surveillance and Federal Movements
Investigators have confirmed a sharp rise in activity by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New Jersey over the past two days.
In response, local community defense groups are using "sound alarm" tactics. They use car horns and other noisemakers to warn about federal agents, a strategy also used by groups in Minnesota.
Designated Assembly Zones (January 30)
Organizers have shared a confirmed list of assembly points for Friday. They advise participants to stay in groups and follow live updates through local channels.
Municipality | Status | Details |
Newark | ACTIVE | Rallies are planned for the Federal Building and City Hall. This follows spontaneous protests that occurred earlier in the week. |
Trenton | HIGH ALERT | Demonstrations at the State Capital. Organizers cite high tension due to recent detentions in residential wards. |
Palisades Park | OBSERVATION | Community spotters are monitoring the reported staging area (ShopRite/Broad Ave). |
Asbury Park | PLANNED | Afternoon rallies coordinated by local labor coalitions. |
Jersey City | PLANNED | Solidarity marches scheduled for PM hours; specific routes subject to change. |
South Jersey | COORDINATED | Actions in Camden, Cherry Hill, and Bellmawr are being coordinated with Philadelphia organizers, who are staging mass marches at the ICE Field Office. |
Official Responses & Verification
The office of newly-inaugurated Governor Mikie Sherrill is under growing pressure to explain the state’s position on the federal operations. Lawmakers’ responses about the "sanctuary" status of public transit and schools are a main focus of WHYY (PBS/NPR) coverage, which also highlights ongoing tension between state police and federal authorities. Rep. Josh Gottheimer has introduced legislation calling for accountability regarding the DHS killings while other Democratic Representatives are providing constituents information on their rights..
Reference & Resource Directory
If you want to check logistics, follow real-time safety alerts, or see the full list of demands, the sources below have been checked for accuracy.
Primary Coordination:
Real-Time Intelligence:
Legislative Context:
This report is based on verified data available as of 3:00 PM EST on January 29, 2026. We will provide updates as the situation changes.
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