Rochester Businesses that Will be Closed Friday for Day of Truth and Freedom

On Friday, January 23rd, Minnesotans and Minnesota businesses across the state will partake in what's being called the Day of Truth and Freedom.

Union, community, and faith leaders have organized this day to protest the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge, which has led to thousands of ICE agents in Minnesota, particularly in the Twin Cities.

On Friday, people are being asked not to go to work or school. They're also asking people not to shop and participate in an economic blackout.

ALSO READ: Nearly 400 Minnesota Businesses Will be Closed Friday

JaNaé Bates Imari, Auxiliary Minister at Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Paul, spoke at a press conference on January 13th and said:

We are asking every single person, every family member, every teacher, every bus driver, every childcare worker, to come together, to be a community, to stand with one another. What we have seen and what we have witnessed, what we have all gone through, is not normal.

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Businesses Closed in Rochester, MN on Friday, January 23rd, 2026

Many businesses have decided to close completely on Friday in observance of the Day of Truth and Freedom. Most of them are in the Twin Cities, however, there are some that will be participating in Rochester, as well.

If we learn of other businesses that will be closed, that will be updated here, but right now, the following Rochester businesses will be closed on Friday, January 23rd:

ArtHeads Emporium

Cafe Steam (all locations)

Cafe Aqui (NOT CLOSED but will be donating all proceeds on Friday to The Alliance of Chicanos, Hispanics and Latin Americans (ACHLA))

Garden Party Books

Griot Arts

Hidden World Vinyl Records

John Kruesel's General Merchandise

Little Thistle Brewing

My Town Music + Rochester Thaw (no online sales)

Old Abe

Pop's Art Theater

Qamaria Coffee

Song Tea and Poke

Terra Loco

Thesis Beer Project

Threshold Arts

Treedome

Day of Truth and Freedom Protests in Minnesota

On top of the economic blackout, protests are planned throughout the state on Friday. Most notably, there will be one in Minneapolis on Friday at 2 PM. There is also a protest happening in Rochester on Friday, also at 2 PM, at both Target locations.

Leading up to Friday, Minnesotans are being encouraged to support local restaurants serving international cuisines that have been hurting since the increase in ICE agents around the state.